It is officially my first week back at work. It has been an exciting summer getting to know families and teenagers on a personal level. It is amazing how much you learn about people when you are given the opportunity to connect with people by building meaningful relationships with them and by listening to their needs and desires.
One such desire that keeps re-surfacing in our conversations is the desire to get closer to God both as individuals but also as families. Now I could probably give you a list of things to do that will help you grower closer to God but I believe we need to start with the word of God. James reminds us of the need to “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
In other words, if you're not as close to God as you used to be chances are that you have moved and not God. If you want to get back to where you were, you need to move in his direction. And if you want to be closer to God than you've ever been, if you want to reach a new level in your relationship with him, all you need to do is move in his direction.
The key is to remember that this is not a one-time event but a lifestyle. It all starts with turning around and running to God. The bible makes it very clear that every time you repent and draw near to God he draws near to you.
Try it today. Move toward him. Turn off the distractions that surround you on a daily basis and make time for God. Spend a few minutes each day in the Word of God and in personal prayer. Take a few minutes thanking him for everything. As you begin to take such steps in his direction, he takes steps in yours.
Remember:
If you want to be closer to God, it's your move.