Day 20: Come Close to God

God comes near not when you’ve perfected your life, but when you simply take a step toward Him.

Scripture: James 4:8 (WEB)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

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We tend to believe that intimacy with God is reserved for the especially faithful or spiritually elite. But James offers a powerful truth: if you move toward God, He moves toward you—no matter where you are starting from.

James isn’t demanding perfection—he's inviting your presence. You don’t have figure it all out first. You just take a step in God’s direction. Bring your distractions, your doubts, your divided heart—and He will meet you there.

Then James offers a gentle challenge: let God’s nearness inspire change. “Cleanse your hands” means to adjust your outward actions. “Purify your hearts” means to let God shape your inner intentions. This process doesn’t begin with guilt—it begins with grace.

You may feel far off. You may feel fragmented. But God is not waiting for the cleaned-up version of you. He is eager to meet you at the place where your desire for Him begins.

You are not too late. You are not too far. You just need to come close—and He will do the same.

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Practice for Today: The Return Ritual

Pause right now—wherever you are—and say out loud or in your heart:
“I draw near to You, God. Be near to me.”

Repeat this simple prayer every time you feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or distracted. Let it become a simple habit of returning—again and again—into God's welcoming presence.

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Journaling Prompt

What keeps me from drawing near to God?
How might my life change if I made “returning to God” my daily practice, no matter how far I feel?

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Blessing

Move in the direction of the Presence that never left.
Feel God meeting you with joy, not judgment.
Let your scattered thoughts settle.
Let your tired hands be cleansed by grace.
And let your heart remember this truth:
God draws near when you do—always.

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Pray As You Go

Inhale: I draw near to You…
Exhale: … and You draw near to me