Can You Really "Draw Close to God"? - A Study Aid to Help Us

By revealing himself so clearly in his Word, Jehovah leaves no doubt that he wants us to be close to him.  At the same time, he does not force us  to seek an approved relationship  with him. It is up to us to search for Jehovah "while he may be found."  (Isaiah 55:6)  Searching for Jehovah involves coming to know his qualities and ways as revealed in the Bible.  The study aid that you are now reading is designed to help you in this endeavor.

 You will notice that this book is divided into sections corresponding to Jehovah's four cardinal attributes; power, justice, wisdom, and love.  The next few chapters discuss  how Jehovah manifests  that quality in its various aspects. Each section  also contains  a chapter  showing how Jesus exemplified the quality, as well as a chapter examining how we can reflect it in our lives. 

Starting with this chapter, there is a special feature entitled "Questions for Meditation." Here are the questions and  the books to look for in the Bible: Psalm 15:1-5-What does Jehovah expect of those who want to be his friends? Psalm 34:1-18 - Jehovah is near to whom, and such one can have what confidence in him?  Psalm 145:18-21 - What activity on our part will bring us close to Jehovah? 2 Corinthians -6:14-7:1 -What conduct is essential if we are to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah?  These Scriptures and questions are not designed as a review of the chapter.   Rather, their purpose   is to help you reflect on other important aspects of the subject. How can you make  effective use of this feature?  Look up each of the cited texts, and read the verses carefully.  Then consider the question accompanying each citation. Ponder over the answers. You might do  some research. Ask yourself some additional questions:  'What does this information tell me about Jehovah?  How does it affect my life?  How can I use  it to help others?'

Such meditation can help us draw ever closer to Jehovah. Why?  The Bible associates meditation with the heart.  (Psalm 19:14) When we reflect appreciatively on  what we learn about God, the information filters into our figurative heart, where it affects our thinking, stirs out feelings, and ultimately moves us into action.  Our love for God deepens, and that love, in turn, moves us to want to please him as our dearest Friend.  (1 John 5:3)  To come into such a relationship, we must get to know Jehovah's qualities and ways.  First, though, let us discuss an aspect of God's nature that provides a compelling reason for drawing close to him-his holiness. 

Next time: Chapter 3/ "Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah"

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah