Lent Day 23
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (ESV)
Lent has traditionally been a time when Christians all around the world make a special effort to get closer to God by attending church services, fasting from something, or reading devotionals such as this series. In the 4th chapter of the book of James - a hellfire and brimstone sermon if there ever was one – there is this incredible promise about getting closer to God: if we make a move towards the Creator of the universe, He’ll reciprocate. This is unlike our human interactions when we might be reluctant to make the first move for fear of rejection. The only condition mentioned is having a humble and contrite heart. It is also unlike our earthly interactions because there’s no specific time frame.
Sometimes I draw near after a time of feeling far away. Occasionally, it’s motivated by a season of daily insights, when I cannot wait to see what God reveals next. Mostly though, I find that drawing near to Him is a matter of the ordinary: an everyday conversation and confession, learning and listening that leads to a much-needed daily renewal and rededication.
Lent is a time of recognizing and celebrating Jesus’ power over death, and a reminder that God really does long to be in relationship with every one of us. Whether our activities celebrate what we know to be true or kickstart a lagging belief, it is good to know that we do not need to wait for a specific time of year to renew our relationship with God. He promises that when we move closer to him, he draws closer to us.
Lord, thank you for your uniquely freeing and unearthly way of doing relationship with us. Help us to reconcile ourselves to your way of doing life, of doing relationships with others, and with you. Amen.
Written by Stephanie Smith
Lent has traditionally been a time when Christians all around the world make a special effort to get closer to God by attending church services, fasting from something, or reading devotionals such as this series. In the 4th chapter of the book of James - a hellfire and brimstone sermon if there ever was one – there is this incredible promise about getting closer to God: if we make a move towards the Creator of the universe, He’ll reciprocate. This is unlike our human interactions when we might be reluctant to make the first move for fear of rejection. The only condition mentioned is having a humble and contrite heart. It is also unlike our earthly interactions because there’s no specific time frame.
Sometimes I draw near after a time of feeling far away. Occasionally, it’s motivated by a season of daily insights, when I cannot wait to see what God reveals next. Mostly though, I find that drawing near to Him is a matter of the ordinary: an everyday conversation and confession, learning and listening that leads to a much-needed daily renewal and rededication.
Lent is a time of recognizing and celebrating Jesus’ power over death, and a reminder that God really does long to be in relationship with every one of us. Whether our activities celebrate what we know to be true or kickstart a lagging belief, it is good to know that we do not need to wait for a specific time of year to renew our relationship with God. He promises that when we move closer to him, he draws closer to us.
Lord, thank you for your uniquely freeing and unearthly way of doing relationship with us. Help us to reconcile ourselves to your way of doing life, of doing relationships with others, and with you. Amen.
Written by Stephanie Smith
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Enjoyed reading this devotion.