By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Drawing Near or Pushing Away

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

It’s amazing how quickly I can move closer or further away from God. It literally can be minute to minute some days whether I feel close or far from God. In the Bible, James says it’s up to us to turn ourselves toward God first then he will come closer to us.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
James 4:8 English Standard Version

There’s also evidence that Jesus is present with those who suffer and people who are having a difficult time.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”
Psalm 34:20 English Standard Version

All we need to do is ask for Jesus to show up when we need to connect.

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 English Standard Version

Just as we can draw closer to God, we can also push ourselves further away. Praying, worshipping, meditating on the Word are all ways to keep God on the front of our minds and hearts. When we intertwine God into our workday, family, in all that we do, it’s not hard to keep God close. It’s when we divide our lives into segments that distance from Jesus becomes a reality. When I’m aware that the breath I breathe, the steps I take, my heart beating is all due to the touch of God in my life, that is when I draw close. The moments that I attempt to control my schedule, I’m anxious about my children, or I try to figure out how the future will turn out, those are ways to push God out of the equation in my life.

Rest in the arms of God and turn your attention toward Jesus. This is the best place to be.

I’ve included a link to one of my favorite songs about drawing near to God. I pray it brings you closer to Jesus.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado