DRAW NEAR TO GOD

Ps. 73:28

What makes you want to ‘draw near’ to God?

1. Asaph (chief musician under David)– v. 2-3 – because he was stumbling and slipping towards sin due to envy/jealousy

• He recognized that their ‘pride’ (v. 6) seemed to help them, as did their ‘violence’ – unjust lifestyles.

• V. 12 – these are unredeemed people who disregard God and His ways, thinking they have no need of him because they are prosperous while David in v. 13-14 has the opposite experience.

o V. 15-23 shows how Asaph’s perception of them and himself changed by the Lord giving him revelation knowledge of these opposing lifestyles.

o V. 23 - …you have held me by my right hand – this word ‘held’ means to be seized or grasped – like a parent would do to a child that’s about to run into danger!

• Can you think of a time when the Lord snatched you away from the danger your way of thinking was leading you into?

• V. 24 – He promises to lead us with His counsel.

o Can you think of a specific time He has given you counsel that corrected your way of thinking about a person or situation?

2. God initiates our desire to draw near to Him.

• Jn 6:44 – No man can come to Me except the Father which has sent Me draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day.

• Heb. 10:22 – Draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts

• sprinkled from an evil (harmful) conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

o Contrasted with Is. 29:13 – Therefore, the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have removed their heart from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men

o V. 14 goes on to tell of God’s mercy even to His people with untrue hearts.

• Ps. 73:26 – My flesh and my heart fail (to cease; this is actually what’s needed) , but God is the strength (rock of refuge) of my heart, and my portion (inheritance) forever!

• S.S. 1:4 – Draw me (drag me; lift me; lift me); we will run after you. The King has brought me into His chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in You. We will remember Your love more than wine; the upright love You.

Conclusion: Ps. 73:28b – That I may declare all Your works. Our time spent with the Lord makes our testimony powerful. It causes us to epistles read of men.