November 17, 2025

Catching Up

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you“

Around a restaurant table, a father and son reconnect over dinner. The conversation starts with surface-level pleasantries but gradually deepens. Laughter erupts over shared memories. Dreams and challenges are discussed with growing openness. What began as a simple meal transforms into something more meaningful—the rekindling of a relationship that had drifted into disconnection through busy days and separate lives.

“I’ve missed this,” the father admits. “We should do this more often.”

These moments of reconnection reveal an important truth: relationships require intentional maintenance. Even the closest bonds can gradually drift when regular communication fades. This principle applies not only to human relationships but to our connection with God as well.

Many believers experience seasons where their relationship with God feels distant. Not because of any dramatic falling away, but simply through the subtle drift that occurs when communication becomes infrequent or shallow. Prayer becomes hurried, Scripture reading sporadic, and listening for God’s voice a forgotten practice.

The prophet Isaiah recognized this tendency when he urged God’s people to “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). This invitation acknowledges both God’s availability and our responsibility to pursue the relationship.

Catching up with God isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. It might mean setting aside distractions to simply be present with Him. It might involve honest conversation about where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced. It certainly includes listening as well as speaking.

God never changes in His desire for connection, but our awareness of His presence ebbs and flows with our attentiveness. Like any important relationship, the one with God thrives on regular conversation, not just crisis intervention.

Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we’ve allowed busyness and distraction to create distance in our relationship with You. Amen.

Reflection Question: What has caused the most significant drift in your relationship with God recently?