I lead a fairly insulated life. Many of life's bigger temptations don't come into my path on a regular basis. Money is always a struggle with our large family, but no major calamities have befallen us recently.
Although I count my blessings for this calm state of affairs, sometimes my faith feels cold.
Trials and temptations draw me closer to God when faced with the limits of my understanding and ability to deal with problems on my own. In the absence of larger struggles, however, I tend to rely on myself too much and Him too little.
Unfortunately, it's sometimes difficult to break that pattern of self-reliance.
I don't know about you, but when things are going well I don't have the courage to ask for adversity to deepen my relationship and dependence on Him.
James 4:8 tells us, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." What an amazing thing to know that the God of the universe is there for me: for fellowship, confession, comfort.
When I recognize a coldness creeping into my relationship with Him, I pray this simple prayer, "Lord, my faith is cold and weak. Please draw me nigh unto you and draw nigh unto me."
And He does.
by Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home
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I totally relate to that feeling of fear in asking for adversity. Don’t have a solution but I love your prayer and may use it myself.
Oh, how much I needed this today. THank you so much for sharing! Wanting to draw night to Him..
I’ve been searching for words to what I have been feeling, you nailed it… praying that prayer… thanks for sharing.
Beautiful ~ thanks so much for sharing!
Dawn, you and that prayer are beautiful. I love you seek Him with your eyes through your amazing photography and through your heart at the same time in the way you see the world (and word) and share it with us. XOXO
been struggling with the same thing myself 🙂
Oh, yes, I hear you, Dawn…
Last week, I was murmuring out loud to Jesus while putting away the laundry, “Jesus, do whatever it takes… whatever it takes… to make me more like you.
One of my sons stopped me: “That’s a scary prayer, Mom. You sure you want to be praying it?”
I’m praying it with you, Dawn: “Please draw me nigh unto you and draw nigh unto me.”
Beautiful, friend — just courageously beautiful.
All’s grace,
Ann
It’s so true. There are moments when I realize that I’ve been too caught up in this earthly life and that I actually MISS being in a period of tribulation, relying on God not only for joy and guidance but for the very breath that I need to survive. When I reflect on feeling as if something is rushing by me (or maybe I’m rushing by it) and need to feel Him deeply in my soul, I remember that God’s always here, always a part of us…and I dive right into His arms! It’s as simple, and as lovely, as that.
I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who always catches us, no matter if we’re on the high dive or sometimes just teetering on the edge of the kiddie pool.
God is awesome.
I can relate to your fear, Dawn. While I would not wish to endure a similar trial as to what we’ve had these past two years, I would absolutely LOVE to maintain the closeness with God that I have right now. Never before have I had to rely on Him to this extent. And never before have I had such a burden for the lost and a boldness for sharing Jesus. I have learned to pray without ceasing and I have learned to let go of burdens that are not mine to carry, but the Lord’s. It is not easy, but there are blessings in brokenness.
You bless me with your honesty, Dawn.