Think About Getting Close To God
Part of Think Healthy, Live Healthy—Winning The Battle Between Your Ears
February 24, 2024

Think About Getting Close To God
Sunday | February 25, 2024
ray@crossroadsny.org

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What does “Think About Getting Close To God” mean?
The Think About Getting Close To God mindset is the intentional action of seeking God by removing what doesn’t belong and refocusing on what must remain.


1. Get into a healthy headspace with
Joel 2:12a / CSB, “Even now— this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart…”

shûwb: to return, turn back; refers to repentance

Second Corinthians 7:10 / NIV, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

James 4:8 / VT, “Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.”


2. Focus better with
Joel 2:12b-13 / CSB, “…with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love.”


+ Fasting is associated with being in a battle:
After losing forty thousand men in battle in two days, the Israelites called out to God for help. Judges 20:26 says all the people went up to Bethel and “fasted that day until evening.” The next day, they defeated their enemies.

+ Fasting is associated with processing bad news:
Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed when he learned that Jerusalem’s walls had been compromised, leaving the Israelites vulnerable and humiliated.

+ Fasting is associated with seeking wisdom:
Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted for the elders of the churches before committing them to Lord’s work.

+ Fasting is associated with faithfulness:
After losing her husband at a young age, Anna remained devoted to God. Luke 2:37 says, “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”

+ Fasting is associated with defeating temptation:
Jesus fasted during his forty days and nights in the wilderness.


3. Hurry up and wait on God’s
Joel 2:14-16 / ESV, “Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God. 15  Blow the ram’s horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim a solemn assembly. 16  Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.”

Galatians 6:9 / NLT, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”


My next steps

Read: Joel
Remember: Second Corinthians 7:10; James 4:8; Galatians 6:9
Reflect: Set aside time to fast each week leading up to Easter
Return for church next Sunday: 9am, 11am, & 6 pm