Worshiping God While You Wait | Draw Near With Pastor Amy Groeschel

Emmanuel: God With Us and Our Worshipful Response

Scripture References

• Luke 1
• Revelation 4:8
• Revelation 5:9

Overview

God is the One who initiates; He doesn’t have to draw near, yet He chooses to. Week 5 of “Draw Near” moves from Old Testament examples to Jesus Himself—Emmanuel, Living Water, Lord and Savior, Alpha and Omega. Centering on Mary’s response to carrying the Messiah, Craig and Amy trace how everyone who truly recognizes God’s nearness responds with trust, surrender, and worship. From Mary’s song to the hymns of Revelation, the conversation invites us to make worship and obedience our natural reaction to His presence.

Main Points

Emmanuel: God Initiates Nearness

• Emmanuel means “God with us”; His presence is both omnipresent and intimately personal.
• God’s purpose across Scripture is reconciliation—He wants a people with whom He can dwell.
• “He doesn’t have to draw near—He chooses to draw near.”

Mary’s Faith-Filled “Yes”

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

• The angelic announcement carried social cost and unimaginable weight for a young virgin.
• Mary’s identity was rooted in God; trust outweighed fear.
• Elizabeth affirmed her: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

• Mary recognized God’s might, holiness, mercy, and called her assignment a blessing.
• Her response stands in contrast to a culture obsessed with “me time” and personal plans.

Worship as Our Natural Response

• When God draws near, people instinctively draw near in worship.
• Worship is a prime way believers sense God’s nearness—whether gathered at church or alone with a playlist.
• Craig shared that in his darkest personal trial he became “a worshiper like never before,” head down, songs on repeat, because God proved faithful.

Songs of Scripture and Heaven

• Illustration: Amy surveyed the Bible’s songwriters—Moses at the Red Sea, Hannah after answered prayer, David throughout Psalms, Mary, Paul and Silas in prison, and the heavenly scenes in Revelation.

• Revelation 4:8: heavenly beings cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come… You are worthy…”
• Revelation 5:9: the redeemed sing of the Lamb who purchased people “from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
• Worship in suffering (Paul & Silas) and worship in glory (Revelation) both testify that God is praiseworthy and a God of breakthrough.

Draw Near: A Lifelong Journey

• The study only “scratches the surface” of God’s personal, purposeful, praiseworthy nature; His depths are unsearchable.
• Knowing God more is eternal life itself (Jesus’ words).
• Amy’s burning desire: that people keep pursuing, knowing, and loving God—drawing near every day.
• Craig: after 35 years of preaching he newly discovered “the kindness of God” through recent worship-soaked pain.

Key Truths

• God always makes the first move toward us; our role is to respond.
• Trust-filled surrender positions us to carry out even costly assignments.
• Worship—especially in hardship—opens our eyes to God’s faithfulness.
• The entire biblical story, from Genesis to Revelation, pulses with songs that declare God’s worth.
• Eternal life is not merely future; it is present relationship—truly knowing God.

Response

• Surrender your plans and affirm, “I am the Lord’s servant—yes, Lord.”
• Build rhythms of worship: sing, bow, keep songs on repeat, and let praise rise in every circumstance.
• Recall specific moments God drew near to you; thank Him and share the testimony.
• Keep seeking—daily open Scripture, pray, and expect fresh aspects of His character to emerge.

Closing

Week 5 concludes with an invitation: let this study launch, not finish, your pursuit of Emmanuel.

“Every day, all the time, we’re drawing near to God, and when we draw near to Him, He draws near to you.”
Keep seeking first His kingdom; enjoy the presence of a very good and loving God who delights to be with you.