Maneuvers - No. 88
Draw
Toward Me
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by noise around you?
The kind of noise that’s loud and constant, that makes it hard to think, let alone make decisions?
Our hearts can feel the same way when we’re surrounded by all sorts of noisy messages trying to influence us. It can be overwhelming, and sometimes we may find it hard to hear God’s voice through it all.
But as we’ll see in this week’s FLAG message, we do know his voice. It’s not far away. He’s not speaking a language we don’t understand. He’s here—a familiar conversation in the deep places of our hearts.
So how do we tune out all the other thoughts so we can focus on our heavenly Father’s still, small voice?
The Bible promises us: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8, ESV).
Do we believe that’s true? And if so, are we willing to draw near today—even if it means feeling uncomfortable, confronting untrue thoughts, or releasing control?
Let’s listen …
01.
The Message
“Draw in now. Draw toward me. Let the thoughts that are going through your mind now come and go. Let them move through you. They don’t have to cling to you. They don’t have to direct your actions or your response at this moment. Instead, let me guide you deeper into the place in your heart that has always known me, into the place within you that craves and knows connection. You can recognize my voice here. You can remember the location of home.
“Let me teach you the truth you have forgotten—the truth that is easy to forget when the world shouts and stresses and demands: You are protected. You are redeemed. You are mine. Nothing can hurt you—not in the deep place of protection I provide for you, the place within you that houses love, that knows you are loved, that knows the name I call you, that believes I have perfectly crafted you with my hands and my breath.
“I give you everything I have. All I have is yours. And with my love in you, you can climb any mountain, fight any battle, and negotiate any tough challenge. Do not trust the world and its values. Do not heed the messages it tells you about who you are, how you should spend your time, and what will make your life one you will not regret. Why should the world and its values, its scare tactics, be wisdom? What is wisdom? What is love? How do you find me?
“Draw in. Find me in your heart.
“Draw in. Hear me speaking to you throughout the day.
“Draw in. Let me love you here in the way you need to be loved.
“You are mine. You are all I want in a child, an heir. So let’s stay connected. May our desires be the same. I hear your voice, and you hear mine. I love talking with you. I love the life we can have together.”
02.
Listen
As you read the phrase “Draw in” throughout today’s message, how did your heart respond? How did your response change each time you read that phrase? Let’s take a few minutes to write out a personal prayer to the Lord.
03.
Think
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah. ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you’” (Psalm 32:7-8, ESV).
1. What distressing thoughts or worldly messages keep coming to your mind? How are they affecting you and your actions?
2. What truth is God speaking to your heart in contrast to those thoughts? Let’s write those down.
3. Where do you need God to teach you, comfort you, or simply be with you? What areas in your life do you want to surrender to him right now?
04.
Trust
Do you ever find it hard to distinguish between your own thoughts, the world’s messages and scare tactics, and God’s voice? If so, you’re not alone. It can be hard for us, too.
Today, let’s open our hearts to allow Jesus to filter those thoughts for us.
To start, let’s get in a quiet place where we can peacefully reflect. We can put on soft music, light a candle, or sit somewhere where we can see nature outside—whatever helps us focus and relax.
Now, let’s finish these sentences in our journals. (Feel free to go longer than a sentence. This is our time to flesh out the thoughts that are running through our minds.)
I’ll be happy when …
People love me because …
My life would matter more if …
I would be miserable if …
I’m closer to God when …
I’ll never be able to …
Now, let’s ask Holy Spirit to give us his perspective as we read through our answers again. If something we wrote doesn’t feel right, let’s pause and ask Holy Spirit why.
What does he want to show us about our beliefs and how they stack up against his truth? What does he want to say to us about our worth, his character, or the world around us? What is he teaching us about how we can be happy?
Let’s write down what our heavenly Father shows us. (Is there anyone God wants us to share these things with? Someone we can be vulnerable with?)
If all we hear is uncomfortable silence, let’s try to lean into that quietness and rest here. We don’t have to rush this experience—simply being with Jesus is worth the time.
05.
Pray
Father, I confess where I’ve allowed my thoughts and other noise to create distance between us. Help me see that you’re right here with me—that you never leave my side.
You say I have everything I need in you and that you give me the wisdom and strength I need for any situation. I open my heart to receive those gifts. Lead me through these hard things I’m facing. (Feel free to share those things here.)
I love you. I trust you. Remind me of what’s true and fill me with joy as I spend time in your presence.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
