In Week One of Close, we talked about how God is always close to us, even when we think he’s not. And how when we feel like we’ve stepped away for God, we just need to take a simple step and move towards him again.

SCRIPTURE:

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” JAMES 4:8 (NIV)

CLOSE – Week 1

In these winter months, there’s one thing that creates an immediate sense of warmth—a fire. Whether you are camping or hanging in the backyard with your friends, a firepit or campfire can create not only a sense of warmth and light but also of belonging. You feel warmer if you are closer to the fire and likewise you feel colder the further you stand. Sometimes our relationship with God can feel like the same. When we stand close, we can feel His sense of warmth and light in the midst of the darkness. In those moments, It’s easy to talk to Him and feel close. It’s easy to trust that He is there. But there are times that we don’t feel close to God. It’s not always easy to feel His warmth, His light, or His inviting welcome. And we wonder if God has moved? Let’s look at what James says about this:

Come close to God and he will come close to you (James 4:8 NLT).

If you want to feel close to God, then you need to move towards Him. It’s just like the fire. When we back away from the fire, we may get colder, but it’s not because the fire moved. We moved. God doesn’t move from us. We feel far from God usually because we have moved from Him. Move close and God will move close to you. Always. He promises that.

So today, if you feel distant, choose to take a step and move towards God. Movement can be as simple as praying to Him, reading the bible, or talking with someone about what you are feeling. Come close to God and He will come close to you.

ENTER TO WIN A FREE MOVIE TICKET

To enter to win a free movie ticket, download and print dig deeper and bring this devotional back signed by your parent / guardian confirming that you’ve read and discussed the devotional together. Our team will select 2 winners at the end of each month.