Today : Move Closer
TODAY’S VERSE
“And Peter followed at a distance.” Luke 22:54 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Is that how your spiritual life seems? Jesus was taken away by an angry mob. Most of the disciples scattered in fear. Peter too was fearful but at least he decided to follow Jesus. However, he kept his distance. Fear does that. We become consumed with it. We think of the past and our failures and we look at the future with more pessimism and we miss the closeness of the Lord in the presence. We don’t give up on our faith, but its relevance to influence the immediate is lost in worry and fear. Today decide to move in closer. God has not abandoned you. He has not turned His back. Peter failed to remember what Jesus had told him only hours earlier. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.” Likewise, Jesus intercedes for you. There is no reason to keep at a distance. Instead, we can do what the author of Hebrews tells us to do. He writes, “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, I confess I have been following You at a distance. I have let fear, doubt and worry take place of my faith. I come today in obedience, boldly to Your throne and ask for Your mercy and Your grace. Thank You for interceding for me. Thank You that You have promised to help me when I need it the most.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am bringing all my cares and concerns to Jesus
Today’s devotion is full of imagery. Jesus told Peter, “I am praying for you.” The author of Hebrews told us to come boldly to the Throne of God. Let’s use our meditative ability to picture that and fill our hearts with peace. Quiet your heart and see Jesus praying for you. His love for you is evident and you can see it. See Him bidding you to come to the throne of God and get all the help you need. He is saying, “Come boldly because of the love He has for you. So come. Come to God now. Worship Him, love Him, give Him all your cares. In this moment, draw close to God.