Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8 (NKJV)
When kids are growing up, we celebrate each new level of independence. We applaud them when they learn to walk and tie their shoes, when they get their licenses and graduate high school.
We want our kids to be strong and independent. But when it comes to God, independence isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Sure, God wants us to grow in strength and wisdom, but we were never designed to live independently from Him. When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they walked and talked with God every day. Even Jesus often needed alone time with God. In fact, Luke 5:16 says “As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer” (MSG).
Spending time with God makes a tangible difference in your life.
A certain boldness, confidence and anointing seems to exude from people who spend time with God regularly. And not spending time with God also has consequences. One common side effect is a persistent low-grade worry or irritation.
If you’ve been feeling angry, anxious or offended lately, maybe it’s time to ask yourself, “When was the last time I enjoyed God’s presence?”
Early each morning, find a way to spend a few minutes with God. As I do this each morning, I turn my focus to Him, praying, worshipping, asking Him to teach me and simply being quiet in His presence, and my heart seems to fill with peace. Often my stress and concerns seem to melt away as I spend time in His presence.
God wants you to spend time in His powerful, life-altering presence regularly. Why not start today?