DrawNearToGod | Kristi's Morning Devotional

What’s the first thing on your mind this morning?

The kids, your job, health, finances, a relationship, the world crisis – whatever it is, the Lord has a solution.

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

His lap is cozy enough to have room for you to cuddle up and draw strength from Him. Last weekend we had our three youngest grandkids come for sleepovers. Each morning when they came down the stairs they wanted to cuddle. They love to snuggle in and we love it too!

The Father wants us to snuggle up close when we are worried and life seems heavy.

“But he gives us more grace. This is why it says, God stands against the proud, but favors the humble. ⁷Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. ⁸Come near to God, and he will come near to you…” James 4:6-8 CEB

His Word is powerful enough to change the course of rivers and set the boundaries in the sky; so at His word your world can change from disorder to order.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. ¹⁶With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Don’t let anything hold you back from enjoying the Father’s presence, His power and His word.

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness.
Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

God’s instruction and direction for our lives isn’t hard. When we learn to follow Him, it brings us to a place of peace and rest.

“The rules you have given me to follow will be mine forever. They give me great joy. 112 More than anything I want to obey your laws always, until the end of my life.” Psalm 119:11-112 ERV

Draw close to the Father. His arms are open wide!

There was a time when I felt the Father was so far away, I wondered if I would ever have a close relationship with Him again.

Circumstances in life had caused me to distance myself from His presence. I honestly felt like the prodigal daughter. It started out with the little things – selfishness, putting my needs and wants before others. Self-pity. Why are “they” treating me like this? Self-importance. I deserve better, and went searching for it.

I hardened my heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This was my thought, “If God’s not going to fix this then I’ll do it myself”. I wanted to be in charge.

Have you ever fallen into that mindset? I hope not but if you have let me show you the way that the Father ministered to me.

As a little girl I grew up loving the Bible stories I heard in Sunday School. One day as I was struggling with self-pity, I remembered the story of the prodigal son. I wasn’t in a physical pigpen but I was in an emotional one. I remember imagining that I was walking with the son on the road to his Father’s house.

I saw the Father running up the road to greet us but instead of embracing His son, He wrapped His arms around me and He held me close. I heard Him whisper in my ear, “Welcome home, I’ve been waiting for you. I love you”.

Never once did He ask me where I’d been or what I had been doing. He knew. I didn’t feel condemned – only love and forgiveness flowed from the Father’s heart to mine.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ²¹His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’…We must celebrate with a feast, ²⁴for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” Luke 15:20-24 NLT

When we start on our return journey to the Father, drawing close to Him, He meets us – embraces us and throws us a party. His heart is full because we have come home!

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. ⁹Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:7-10 NLT

When we humble ourselves and repent, He forgives and restores. He brings us to a place of peace, surrounded by His love.

Come with me and draw close to the Father!

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