The First Source

In his book entitled Embracing the Mysterious God, James Emery White writes about the times in life when we find it difficult to let God come near to our lives. He says, "One of the tragic ironies of life is our tendency to keep God at bay, particularly at times when we need him most by our side." The reasons for this are often complex, but it is fair to say that most of the time it is because "We're far too occupied by our attempts to save ourselves." In other words, we often try to find a way through the difficulty we are facing by means of our own strength, intelligence, or ability to work things out. So often when we need God the most, He is the last Person we turn turn.

In Proverbs 3:5, King Solomon said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (NIV). The last statement in this verse is telling, for often it is our own understanding or thinking on which we lean the most. So often, we think we know what's best in a situation instead of calling out to God for His guidance and wisdom. As White says in his book, "the more we are overwhelmed by a matter, despite the temptation to strategize and maneuver, the more we should fall on our knees." How many of us turn to God first when facing a tough time? So often it is the doctor, the counselor, the church leader, perhaps even a friend or family member that we turn to first, instead of going to God as the first source of instruction, counsel, or healing. As James says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (4:8, NIV).