“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8 (NIV)
Have you ever tried talking to someone who’s physically there but mentally checked out? It’s like chatting with a brick wall, only less responsive. Frustrating, right? It feels like no matter how close they are, they’re miles away.
I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty of doing this to God. I’ve gone through the motions of prayer or worship while my mind wandered to my to-do list or what’s for dinner. Sure, I was there in the moment, but I wasn’t really there. And then I wondered why I didn’t feel close to Him.
James 4:8 is both a promise and a challenge. It reminds us that God desires to be close to us, but it’s a two-way street. When we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us. It’s not about checking boxes or being perfect; it’s about showing up, really showing up, with an open heart.
Drawing near to God doesn’t have to look complicated. It can be as simple as starting your day with a quick prayer, turning off the noise and spending time in His Word, or being honest with Him about what’s on your heart. The beautiful thing about God is that He doesn’t demand perfection. He just wants our presence.
Here’s what I’ve learned: the more we intentionally make space for God, the more we’ll feel His presence in our lives. It’s not that He moves closer, He’s already there. It’s that we become more aware of His nearness.
So if you’ve been feeling distant from God, take a step toward Him today. He’s already taken the first step; all He’s asking is for you to respond.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What is one simple way you can draw near to God today? How can you create space in your day to be fully present with Him?
Pray:
Pray for others you don’t even know: PrayerWorks.
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