When Life Tries to Overwhelm YouУзор

GET CLOSE TO GOD Getting closer to God has so many benefits! We get closer to God by spending time with Him. When we read the Bible, we’re hiding His Word in our hearts, and those words can undergird us, encourage us, and come back to us when we need them the most. Times of drawing near to God help solidify our intimacy, whether we feel it at the time or not. When you and I walk every day in close, intimate fellowship with God, we’re really living the ultimate life. Just think of it—walking side by side with the Creator of the Universe, tapping into the Wisdom of the Ages, hearing directly from the Source to fulfill our divine destiny, being unconditionally loved by the Lover of our souls and a blessing to everyone we meet…this is the ultimate life God has for us! Psalm 16:1-11 gives us such a good picture of that life. There are so many benefits to knowing God and having a deep relationship with Him—here are just a few: Verse 1 says that when we know Him, we are protected: “ Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge” (NIV). In today’s violent, volatile world, there’s nothing better than knowing that He’s watching over us and we are safe in Him. Verses 5-6 show us a bright future in Him: “Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” (CSB). When David wrote this Psalm, his life was full of trouble, but he knew and trusted God, so he was joyfully content. Knowing God means we can praise Him no matter where we are and look forward with faith. Verses 7-8 remind us how faithful God is to guide us: “I will bless the Lord who counsels me — even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (CSB). We don’t have to worry or be shaken. What a firm foundation we have in Him!