God Is With YouSample

Day 4 – Verse 3

Today I’d like to start by saying thank you to my wife, who coined the phrase, “You can go a thousand steps away from God, but he’s always one step back.” This statement is so profoundly true that it deserves to be heard.

You feel a thousand steps away

He’s only one step back again

Don’t you know you’re not alone?

Many things can cause us to feel far from God. Sin is an obvious reason, but what about distractions? Think about the little things we do that add no real benefit to us or the kingdom of God. The use of smartphones, in my opinion, is one of the biggest distractions we currently experience. Everywhere I look, everyone is constantly on their phones. Don’t get me wrong, devices have their place and serve a purpose when properly used. But anything that unintentionally interferes with our time with God becomes a distraction from what’s essential: a close, intimate relationship with God. If you feel like you’ve taken a thousand steps away from Him because of too many distractions, I know the ideal step you can take to get back toward Him.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Did you notice this verse says to seek the kingdom of God above all else? It makes no mention of not being on your phone or social media. It doesn’t forbid you from watching TV, playing video games, or doing anything else you may enjoy. What it does say is that these things should be less important than our relationship with God. If most of your day is full of distractions, how much time do you have for God?

Take a moment and write on a piece of paper everything you do during any given day. You may be surprised by how many distractions there are. Now take one distraction away and use the time from that to spend more time with God. I guarantee it will change your life.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)