4.3 – Drawing Near to God

[Lorna Anne]

I am in conflict around 4 month , they thought I intended to hurt them. And when I've heard about it, I went to them and ask forgiveness and they forgiven me but some spread the gossip and on and on.

What I did, I cried to the Lord, i draw near to him. I feel that they attacked me but I give to the Lord

My worries. I prayed to that person every night til few weeks ago, the Holy Spirit guided

Me To visit them , they they ask forgiveness for

Thier reaction. And I told them , I've forgiven you already..

I draw near to God by praying and reading his word.

[Karry (Karen)]

I can draw near to God by not letting the busyness of life taking me away from the quiet moments to spend time in his word, time in worship or just listening for a word he may give me.

[ECO]

Thanks for sharing @dostapyshyn

I am glad you have made progress in this conflict but even more so, I’m glad you are growing in self-awareness about your tendency to guard your heart. Becoming aware of this is the first step towards trusting others again.

I hope this quote isn’t too strong, but I am reminded by your comment of these words from C. S. Lewis:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."

[Dolores]

I was recently in conflict with someone. They hurt me by using forceful tactics to try and get their way. A manipulation. It went on for months and my husband and I both were extremely hurt and were contemplating leaving our church.

The only way to resolve it was to have really difficult conversations. We had to keep in mind that this is a kingdom family and that we needed God to be proud of how we handled it, according to His Word.

I found that I had a deeper issue going on inside of me in that I felt rejection and judgment. I seem to approach things that are meaningful to me in a guarded way, because I don't want to be hurt or hurt anyone else. So when things don't work out the way I envision, I take it to heart. I had to learn to step back and see things from a more practical way.

I draw near to God in prayer throughout the day, or even just to say "Holy Spirit, I love you". Definitely reading the Word draws me closer.