A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Bible Verse
“Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you [a]. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting [b].” – James 4:8 TPT
Footnotes:
[a] The Aramaic can be translated “and he will be touching you.”
[b] Or “you double-minded.”
Reflection
The sun had not come up yet as I sat with God near my big picture window that looks out into a dark world. Sitting with God every morning before work had become a precious habit. Sometimes I would have something on my heart to discuss and invite God into the situation. Other times I wanted to curl up in His lap and just be with Him.
One day my alarm didn’t go off. I woke up in a rush to get ready for work and didn’t have time to sit with God. The next day something else diverted my attention. Before I knew it, I fell out of the habit of beginning each day with God.
The days went by filled with obligations and busyness. I started to struggle with some physical issues, particularly my foot. When I woke up in the morning, it was painful to take those first steps. Struggling to get ready for the day, I briefly asked God what was going on.
That particular morning, my heart was heavy with grief. Several family members had passed away in the last several months. I limped into the kitchen to make my morning tea. My aching foot reminded me I had not put on my shoes of peace in a long time.
Glancing toward our chair in the den, the chair God and I had spent so much time together in, I heard Him say, “I miss you, My daughter.” My heart melted at how God expressed His longing to be with me. Since then, I’ve been stepping back toward God faster when I get sidetracked with worldly distractions.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for pursuing me and showing me the steps that lead back to You. I am grateful for my physical ache that reminded me to sit with You, God. With You, I can put on my shoes of peace every morning, preparing to step out into the dark world with confidence that You, God, are with me, showing me each step to take. Amen
Thought for the Day
Starting your day with God by your side helps strengthen you for whatever comes your way.
Copyright © 2020, 2025 by Karen Castleberry
*****
Karen Castleberry is a Missionary of Prayer. She lives with her husband, Gary, and 2 dogs, in a little cottage nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia. Their son, Jeremiah, lives and works nearby. Karen loves reading, writing, photography, knitting, and all things creative. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with Jesus, her family and friends.
