Drawing Near

It would be amazing to navigate one whole day with the ability to see what God sees.

To see the inexpressible, holy desires of our toddler – which sometimes leads to their outbursts of frustration. To see the fullness of who our teen is – known as they will be known before God’s throne.

Throughout that day we would most certainly respond differently when our toddler lost control of their emotions. Or if our teen was sullen and defiant when they got home from school.

Theologians believe Jesus Christ navigated each moment of His life in precisely this way: in constant communication with God’s Spirit. Always listening. Always tuned in to God – even while He was working or talking.

This type of deep moment-by-moment intimacy with God’s Spirit is what Jews call: devakut – commonly thought of as a ‘constant clinging to God’.

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Nicholas Herman lived in France in the 1600s. He wrote a series of letters to a friend, detailing his efforts to live each moment mindful of God being right there with Him. He claims it became the only thing that mattered in his life as a Christian.

Nicholas spent most of his time employed in a kitchen – washing dishes and tending the kitchen garden. By his own account he was too clumsy for other work and was an ordinary guy (not a spiritual giant).

In his letters there are two principles especially significant for us parents as we strive to be increasingly present to our God. Here are those two things, with some explanation:

1.   Nicholas found he was more united to God in his daily activities than in his devotions or when he would withdraw for spiritual practices.

There is good reason for this: God designed humans to physically interact in the world alongside Him. The physical world – and our work – was designed specifically for our communing and growth in Him. We are most human when we work alongside God.

2.   God is always present and always welcoming.

Nicholas came to realize, anytime he forgot God for an hour, a day, perhaps longer – there was no condemnation or shame when he took it up again. He learned to simply return to God “by an act of praise, or adoration, or just by desire. […] by an attitude of simple waiting, or by thanksgiving.” And God, the perfect Father, immediately resumed where they left off – always ready to continue with His child.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
— James 4:8a