Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
Here is a story that makes me think of the importance of having a regular routine of prayer and reading the Bible:
Walking down a road with his father, a young boy was curious about some of the trails off the main path but was constrained by his father holding his hand. He was quite adamant about his need to explore and started pulling away. Finally, his father said that he could go but had to stay within earshot.
“I will call every few minutes,” his father said. “If you don’t hear my voice, you will know you have gone too far.” Eventually the boy veered so far off the path that he could no longer hear his father’s voice and began walking back.
I am like that little boy. I need to hear God’s voice for direction on a daily basis. Praying keeps me in hearing distance of what God has to say. There are days I don’t hear as well. When I find myself too busy to read my Bible, I don’t hear as well. When life demands I spend more time doing things other than praying, I don’t hear as well. I thank God that when I stray off the path, he is always waiting for me.
Sometimes I find myself in a low spiritual state because I substitute ministry for fellowship. My constant activity does not necessarily mean that I am in touch. It is through fellowship with God that I keep the communication channel open. I am grateful for the promise that God will draw near to me as I draw near to him. When I am close to him, I can hear his voice. When I hear his voice, I know that no matter what comes my way, God will take hold of my hand.
My prayer point is a simple request: to put yourself in the little boy’s place and come close to God. If you have strayed off the path, he is still in the same place. Prayer is the best way to communicate. He has something to say all day, every day.
God bless you.
