Take The First Step Towards God

“Come close to God and He will come close to you.”- James 4:8

Connection and love are deep needs. God places these needs in us to draw us to Himself. I don’t have to feel alone because when I move towards Him, He moves towards me. The simple truth is you can be as close to God as you choose.

I sit on the tree swing hung in the oak of our backyard. It’s a carefree summer day.  My brothers are at play; Dad works the farm. Mom is likely in the garden or the kitchen preparing food.  I feel alone and small. I longed to be with people. Even at a young age, I hated the solitude of the farm.  

I want to be where the people are. Maybe I could go hang out with my cousins, seven miles down the road, or go to my friend, Molly’s house. Her house is bustling with activity because she lives in town. I admire the neighbors close-by. I imagine the people who live there are never lonely because all they have to do is step outside and greet a neighborhood friend.

My Grandparents live in town too, and their house is my favorite because there is always someone there. With my Grandparents’ six children and twenty-two grandchildren, there is no shortage of family nearby.  Grandma loves to play games. She teaches us card games, dice games, Chinese Checkers, and Marbles. 

Grandma has time for us, and her beds are the most comfortable. It’s like the pillowcases are dusted with love. An impromptu sleepover ends with me wearing one of Grandpa’s huge t-shirts. My tiny frame is wrapped in softness and love as I sleep. My grandparents dole out endless hugs and trips to the candy jar in the hall closet. I’m certain I’m their favorite, but if you ask my cousins, they’ll tell you they think they’re the favorite, too. Funny how that works.

My whole life I chased love and people, as I didn’t want to be alone. Nonetheless, with all my chasing there was still a void. It was a place that could only be filled by God.  Imagine the joy I felt when I took the step towards Jesus at age twenty. I asked Him to forgive my sins and dwell with me forever. I would spend the next three decades moving closer to Him. There is so much to discover about God’s character and being near Him helps me know Him more. 

The most amazing truth is we can have much of God as we want.  We can be as close as we chose. We can move towards Him at our own pace, but the moment we move towards Him, He is faithful to move towards us.

Often there are obstacles that create distance with God. We experience loss, pain, rejection, disappointment, or unanswered prayer. People or leaders disappoint us. The Church fails us, and we move away from God. People hurt us, and we blame God and run away. Life gets too overwhelming, and we hide from God.  Our sin builds a wall, and we fear we’ll never be close to God again.

The solution, Dear One: Simply take one step towards God. The chasm isn’t as wide as you think. Bring all the hard stuff with you and sort it out with God. Let His love heal you and make you whole. What I didn’t know as a child, I now know, is that in order to sense God I need to move towards Him. When we take one step closer to God, He promises to meet us.  

Dear Papa, Sometimes I’m afraid to move close to you. I’ve been disappointed, and I carry pain, and it seems too hard to find You in the midst of all the hard things.  I want to fill this longing in my heart with Your Presence. I want to feel You with me every day. Take my fragile step and meet me, God. I want to be close to You and experience Your love. Amen.

Are you still struggling?

Maybe this will help.

I’ve included a free guide to help you Build a Close Relationship With God.  Click on the image below and leave your name and email so I know where to send it.