Relationships take work. The more effort and time we put in, the greater our emotional intimacy with our friend, spouse, and … God. Many of us know this, and yet, if you’re like me, you allow so many lesser things to crowd God out. I know intellectually, when I’m busiest, I need Christ most, and yet often that is when I tend to neglect Him in leu of my agenda or to-do list. In the middle of a busy conference season, my guest’s post today really resonated.

Come Near by Aliseea Cromer

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8, NIV

Relationships. We see them all around us. We all desire to create and grow relationships with others, maybe even to go walking up to a stranger with confidence, a warm smile, our hand out, as we share our name.

For some of you, introducing yourself to others might not have been as easy. Maybe you stood on the sidelines and watched others interact with one another and kept to yourself.

Maybe you’re shy.

Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past and have a hard time opening up to others.

It’s easy for some of us to create relationships while it is more challenging for the rest. But how are you doing with your relationship with God? Are you too caught up with friends and family or too closed off to turn to pursue Him? I’m not asking this with a pointed finger because I’ve been there—pushing off reading my Bible or allowing hurt to keep me from Him.

But our hearts need Jesus. He alone can heal, sustain, and fulfill us. He’s pursued us time and time again, but some of us have ignored Him and dismissed times we could’ve spent with Him.

“I’ll read my Bible later.”

“I have to get ready for work. I don’t have time for God now.”

“I need to clean the kitchen before I leave. I can’t do that and read my devotionals.”

I’ve come up with too many excuses as to why I can’t spend time with God, why it’s ok to put Him at the bottom of my list, stating that I’ll get there when I’ve got time.

Perhaps you’ve been there—entertaining reasons why you don’t need to deepen your relationship with God, why He would

much rather you do that thing than spend time reading Scripture.

We’re imperfect and sinful, more often focused on our agendas than the condition of our hearts. But here’s the amazing thing: we’re imperfect sinners saved by grace. Every day we get a new start to open our Bibles and spend time with Him. (“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV.) We need to begin with saying, “I’m going to spend time with God today. I’m not making any more excuses.” By doing this, we will be rewarded. Not in money, clothes, or beauty, but by growing closer to Him, which is the best reward we could receive. And as we continue spending time with Him, we’ll be more alert to His voice talking back to us.

Let’s talk about this! How are you going to start spending time with God today? What can you do that will make a difference in your walk with God? How can you come near to Him, knowing that He is, in that moment, drawing near to you?

Get to know Aliseea!

Aliseea P. Cromer is a youth leader, teacher’s aide, aspiring author, and a firm believer in Christ. She was born and raised in a Christian home and came to know Christ when she was four.

It wasn’t until 2016 that Aliseea truly started to pursue her dream as an author. One of the first books she’s ever written, but never published, was a sci-fi/teen fiction genre about a young girl who was different than anyone else. It was through the time she was looking at getting her book published that the wise words of her mother and the conviction of the Holy Spirit that Aliseea should be using this gift to honor God through her books. After a year of seeking God’s direction, Aliseea wrote the story that’s been on her heart and is now praying for guidance as she looks for an agent to represent her. In the mean time, Aliseea continues to write, whether it’s on her blog or in her journal, to honor and praise God and point others back to Him.

Aliseea is currently in the process of editing her book and doesn’t have anything published. She is getting ready to launch her blog on May 5^th, 2018 and prays that it will be used to encourage others.

Before you go, make sure to stop by WhollyLoved.com to catch a glimpse of Christa Cottam’s latest video devotion–focused on starting our day right by spending time with Jesus. That’s our focus all week–learning to abide. Because life is found in Christ alone! Connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more encouragement on prioritizing Jesus.