Close to God || Far From God - a Video Devo With AGT Winner, Dustin TavellaSample

Let’s Get Real:

It’s totally possible to like things that are actually bad for us.
And it’s even more possible to keep doing those things—just because they feel good for a moment.

This is what the Bible calls instant gratification.
It’s that urge to choose what’s easy now, even if it costs us later.
We see it in our habits—how we spend our money, the food we eat, how we react when we’re angry, even the media we consume.

We don’t always choose what’s best.
We choose what’s convenient.
What’s comfortable.
What feels good right now.

But here’s the truth: temporary satisfaction never brings lasting peace.
And the more we rely on “quick fixes,” the more empty we feel in the long run.

Why This Matters:

When we constantly give in to things that leave us empty, we’re not just making bad choices—we’re actually training our brains to crave the wrong stuff.

That “itch” we keep scratching?
It’s not going away.
It’s just getting louder.

But here’s the hope: we can rewire what we crave.
As we learn to say no to temporary pleasure and yes to Jesus, our hearts start shifting.
We start craving the real thing: peace, wholeness, purpose.
And those things come from God—not from whatever false comfort the world is offering.

So, What Now?

Here’s where it gets real practical:

• Recognize what you’ve been running to.
  What’s your go-to “comfort” that never actually fills you up?
• Embrace the sadness that comes with letting go.
  Yep—it might be hard at first. You might feel worse before you feel better. But you’re not giving something up just to suffer. YOU'RE MAKING SPACE FOR SOMETHING BETTER.
• Remember what you’re fighting for.
  In today’s video, we talked about the reward. Knowing that Jesus satisfies is what gives us strength to say no to what doesn’t.
• Replace the bad with the good.
  The best way to do less of what draws us away from God… is to do more of what draws us toward Him.

You can retrain your heart.
You can crave what’s holy.
And you will find that Jesus is better.

Your Challenge Today:

Be honest: what’s one thing you’ve been turning to for quick comfort that actually leaves you feeling more empty?

Write it down.
Now write down one thing you can do instead that draws you closer to God—whether it’s prayer, worship, getting outside, journaling, or talking to someone who points you to truth.

Choose that instead today.

Prayer You Can Pray:

Jesus, I know there are things I run to that don’t help me—they just distract me.
Help me to see them for what they really are.
Give me strength to walk away from what feels good in the moment but leaves me empty in the end.
Fill me with Your presence.
Train my heart to crave what actually satisfies. Amen.

Bottom Line:

Instant gratification is a lie.
Jesus is the only one who truly fills.
Train your heart to chase what brings real life.