Losing that Distant Feeling

Categories: Devotional,Psalms,James

Do you go through periods when God seems distant? Does God seem far way when you read the Bible or even when you go to church? Would you like to know, even feel that he is right there with you?

Jesus had a little brother named James. James knew about the problem of being distant from God and that must be why he said that God will draw near to those who draw near to him (James 4:8).

That sounds good so how does one draw near to God? Well, there is one thing you can do: recount God’s wondrous deeds. The psalmist says that when someone does that, it brings God’s “name” near (Psalm 75:1).

This much is sure, that dwelling on God’s story revealed in history—not just the special things he has done in your own personal history—draws him near to you. To speak of God, to ponder his name, to tell of how he has graciously disclosed himself to the world is a very sure way to invite God to come near to you.

So go ahead and do this. Retell the magnificent things he has done. Tell it to yourself. Tell it to others. Ponder things of God and speak it out. Then, you’ll find that the Bible is true. So, get ready to sense that God is near and prepare to lose that distant feeling.

Now, that’s something to celebrate!

Author: Toby Larson

Toby Larson leads Celebration International. He is a husband and father of 5. Whether he's teaching, hitting tennis balls, sailing a Hobie, serving in Asia, skiing on water or snow, Toby is passionate about the love of God and the love of life. Read more ...