Moving Closer

Peace and Hope

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:1-5

 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

- James 4:8 (NRSV)

 

I was eating a meal with my boyfriend, Brendan, when I noticed that his chair was wobbling. One of the chair legs was resting in the track of the sliding door behind him.
The chair was out of balance, and he clearly could not remain comfortable in that position. I wondered what he would do — whether he would readjust his chair nearer to me or farther away. Finally he moved the chair leg out of the groove, closer to me. 

This incident reminds me of my relationship with God when I have been stuck in uncomfortable or difficult situations, like losing a loved one or being betrayed by someone I trusted. Painful trials happen to all of us. At such times we can become angry and feel far from God, or we can draw near to God through prayer and reading God’s word. As we move closer, God guides us through our struggles and helps us stay in balance. The choice is up to us: Will we become distant until God feels like a stranger, or will we draw near to God?

The Author - Sithy Rogers (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) - from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day

 The choice is up to us: Will we become distant until God feels like a stranger, or will we draw near to God?

Prayer

Dear God, help us to move ever closer to you so that we can enjoy Heaven on earth through more intimacy with you. Amen.
 

Prayer focus  Those who feel out of balance