100 Days of HopeSample

Drawing Near To God

Jesus taught us by example that we need to step off the treadmill of life to properly connect with God. Occasionally this may happen by accident, but for consistent spiritual growth a deliberate plan needs to be created and followed. A real commitment to this practice often requires us to modify our schedule and make room in our day to allow God to speak to us. It is interesting that the passage says, “Jesus got up very early while it was still dark”—not just “early,” “very early”!

Growing Christians should always strive to have an ongoing dialogue with God throughout the day. This can be a prayer request as we brush our teeth, a time to focus on His mercy while we drive, or any engagement with God as we go through some of the mundane acts of daily life. The more frequent this dialogue, the more intimate we are with God.

But this verse suggests something much different: It calls us to provide a fertile opportunity for deeper spiritual communication to take place. In James 4:8, the Bible says “come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Make the most of this promise—but be prepared that it may require you to get up before the sun rises.

Prayer: Father, you have said that if we seek you, you will “come near” to us. Help us to follow your example and intentionally carve out time to quiet ourselves to be with you.