Come Close

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

James 4:8

AN OLD BUMPER sticker asked, “If God seems far away, who moved?” The implication is that you moved. God didn’t, because he’s consistent and eternal—he stays the same.

Harper had been a Christian since his teens, but during college he seemed to move away from God. As he entered the job market, got married, and started a family, he realized he needed to get back into church. At this point, he wasn’t sure he could. He was afraid that perhaps God was angry with him and wouldn’t give him another chance.

But Harper did take his family to church. And there he learned about things such as repentance, confession of sin, and coming back to God. He followed through, and instantly he discovered a real relationship with God. Walking with God wasn’t always easy, but Harper’s life, under God’s guidance, got better and better.

Many of us will face times in life when God does seem distant. Sometimes we may even feel as if he has vanished from our lives or written us off. But God promises he will never leave or desert those who belong to him.

How do you return to spiritual closeness with God? Call on him. “Come close,” as the Scripture says. Spend time with him. Seek him with all your heart. Wait on him to respond. God promises that no one who comes to him like that will ever be turned away.