Draw Nearნიმუში

God Draws Near

From the beginning of creation, God purposefully and lovingly initiated a relationship with us—His children. In the first book of the Bible, we see that God chose to create humans in His image. God’s purpose was for us to have a relationship with Him and to rule as caretakers over everything He had made.

Amazingly, God walked and talked with His image-bearers, Adam and Eve, as they began fulfilling His purpose by caring for the garden around them. Can you imagine what that must have been like—God’s presence in the garden with them?

Maybe He taught them how to care for the animals and plants around them. Perhaps they had conversations about what it meant for them to be together.

Adam and Eve had absolutely everything they needed—especially perfect intimacy with God and a clear sense of purpose.

But by the third chapter of Genesis, we see the infamous story of their fall. Instead of trusting in the goodness of their Creator, they listened to the lies of the evil serpent, looked at the fruit on the forbidden tree, and believed it would give them something more or better than what God had given them.

They listened to the wrong voice. They looked at the wrong source. And as a result, they experienced broken fellowship. Their sin of rebellion brought separation from their good and perfect Father.

While this story reveals how humanity’s brokenness began and the dangers of choosing our desires over trusting the goodness of God, it also shouts the pursuing and rescuing grace of God.

While Adam and Eve were naked, fearful, and hiding in shame, God called out to them. In relational love, He drew near, in spite of their sin—in spite of their running off to hide.

And friend, He’s still drawing near to us today.

Pause and Reflect

Consider your relationship with God. Are you hiding behind any barriers that keep you from walking closely with Him? What step can you take today to nurture your relationship with God?

Pray

Gracious Father, thank You for pursuing me, even when I feel far from You. Please show me any areas of my life that are preventing me from experiencing the fullness of Your presence. Grow my desire to know You more and more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Bible Plan is adapted from the free 4-week Bible study Draw Near. You can find the full study, which includes individual, group, and video content, at www.go2.lc/drawnearstudy