Dear Becky, How do I get back “there”?

(This is a conversation I had yesterday with a friend who is desperate to draw nearer to God again. She wrote me seeking encouragement on how to get back in step with Christ. Haven’t we all found ourselves in a similar place? One of drifting and just needing a little help to get back “there”! I am sharing this with permission, as she and I both agreed this conversation may help someone else. Happy Wednesday everyone! #sothankfulforyou )

Good morning, Becky…

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day. It sure is sunny and gorgeous here today…

I am a Christian and have been for as long as I can remember. About 3 years ago, I became closer to God than I ever have been. I felt like He was in every step and breath I took. I got up every morning before everyone and read and prayed and soaked in His word like never before. I couldn’t get enough. No matter what I faced throughout the day, I could get through it. I was happy.

Somewhere along the line, I slacked off in my time with Him and let life take over. I lost that closeness with Him. I have tried and tried and prayed and I can’t get that feeling of His closeness back. I know He is there, it’s me who walked away. I miss it so much. It really affects my daily life. I get agitated more easily and I am not that happy person I used to be. I know it’s Him that I am missing.

Would you please pray for me? Do you have any books that you love that I could add in to my prayer life?

I am telling you this because you seem to have God at the center of your life, where He is supposed to be. I just wanted to reach out to you to see if you could help me get back on track. Thank you!

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Sweet friend,

Oh do I understand! I still find myself in this place at times…. feeling dry. Empty. Longing for the closeness I once had with God. Feeling as if I can’t hear Him for anything. Having NO desire to read my Bible. Being distracted during my quiet time…. surfing Pinterest instead of the Psalms. Yes, I get it girl. I really do….

My first encouragement to you is exactly what you have said yourself, “I know He is there… it’s me who walked away.” Yes. He STILL IS THERE. And scripture is so encouraging – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 (sounds a little harsh, but hold on…) When I get in this place, I simply begin with repentance. “Lord forgive me for drifting away from the best place for me – your side. Cleanse my hands, purify my heart. Keep me SINGLE-MINDED – focused first on YOU – let me not be like the double-minded man who is tossed to and fro by the waves!”

Then I THANK HIM that for the closeness I have with Him again – even if I don’t “feel” it. Let me say to you in love…. you may stop “feeling” a lot of the warm and fuzzies you once felt with Him in the earlier days. Our walk with God is so much like a dating relationship…. there is a wooing period, a dating, a courting of your heart, then things settle in and it takes more intentionality and a little more elbow grease in the spiritual life. BUT… THEN the richness comes. The intimacy comes. Persevere sweet friend, the best in still ahead for you.

Practically speaking… I don’t recommend a “book” for where you are right now. I recommend getting a good journal… a great new pen, some highlighters… if you want, maybe a new Bible with a different version and a great concordance. Begin in the Psalms and read a few Psalms everyday. I did this study with my blog readers a while ago and it never fails to blow me away and draw me nearer to Him.

And lastly, WORSHIP. Download a new album. Something fresh. I am crazy about All Sons and Daughters and I know Kari Jobe just released a new album called Majestic Revisted. Faith comes by hearing – Romans 10:17… Music and podcasts are so building to my faith. Google “Passion City Church Podcasts”. Louis Giglio is solid. Also, I listen to a series by Beth Moore every week on the Names of God. I have learned so much…

Ok sister…. I just am crazy about you… so thankful for you… and super grateful for your vulnerability. I want to encourage you that he who is hungry and thirsty will be satisfied….Mathew 5:6 Enjoy His Presence with you today. He is right there. Right now.

Be blessed,

Becky