Scriptural Reading:  Isaiah 59:1-3

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? Psalm 10: 1 (KJV)

Each time I fell into sin, I no longer have the confidence to approach God. My case becomes like that of Adam and Eve who went into hiding after eating the forbidden fruit. But one thing that I know for sure is that for any wrongdoing, the ancient of Days rebukes and still restores. His grace drives us to our journeys end daily. I have come to realise that in purity, there is power. Once a fellow lives a life of consecration, one begins to see the manifestation of God’s power and automatically becomes a friend of God. Righteousness brings us closer to God, but unrighteousness keeps Him at bay.

The major reason why God seems to be far from us is sin. The scriptural text we read has outlined some of those reasons why God may be far from our dwelling. Once God is far from us, we end up living a life of defeat at all times and makes our enemies to wrongfully rejoice over us. I pray that our enemies will not wrongfully rejoice over us in Jesus name. Amen. Why light and darkness are not neighbours, unrighteousness and righteousness have no common equation that binds them together. This year, God will be closer to us, if we play our cards very well.

The Almighty God is a God of purity and He loves righteousness at all times. He is a true and loving father that does not want to be far from us. Without Him, we cannot survive the missiles of our enemies, but with Him in our camp, victory is sure. Have we made God too far from us as a result of our sins? He wants to be closer to us this year and does not want to be far from us any longer. This can only be possible if we cleanse ourselves from all manner of uncleanness and begin to walk in holiness, righteousness and purity. God is still very near and He is always willing to hear us and to give us all that it takes to make our journeys to be smooth here on earth even as we prepare for the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Another way we can still make God near to us is through constant studying of His word which is a cleanser that purifies against any unrighteous tendencies.

 Dear Father God, help me to live above sin so that you can be near to me and my family always through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

           When God is near, victory is near, but when God is far, defeat is close.

            - The Writer-

OGBAJIBREDE Onome is an Evangelist and a Devotional Writer who inspires and encourages people to come closer to God. His Devotional has featured on Exploits Christian Magazine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution and can be contacted via [email protected]