“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8 NIV
This morning, as I walked into the room, my dogs greeted me like I had been gone for days.
Tails wagging. Eyes bright. Pure excitement.
And the truth is… I had only been gone a few minutes.
It didn’t matter to them how long I was gone, what kind of mood I was in, or what kind of day I had already had. They were just happy to see me. Fully present. Fully joyful. Completely loving.
And it made me stop and think…
Isn’t that how God welcomes us too?
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals…” Proverbs 12:10 NIV
Sometimes we hesitate to go to Him.
Maybe it’s been a while since we last prayed.
Maybe we feel distant.
Maybe we think, “I should have come to Him sooner.”
But God isn’t standing there with disappointment.
He’s not keeping track of how long you’ve been away.
Instead, He welcomes you with open arms—every single time.
With joy.
With love.
With eagerness to be near you again.
Just like my dogs don’t say, “Where have you been?”
God doesn’t say, “Why did you wait so long?”
He simply delights in your return.
Whether it’s been minutes… or months.
Today, let this be your reminder:
You can go to God anytime.
Right now.
Just as you are.
And you will be met with the same love,
the same joy,
and the same open-hearted welcome.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I been hesitating to go to God? Why?
2. What thoughts or feelings make me feel distant from Him?
3. How does it change my perspective to know God welcomes me with joy?
4. What is one small way I can draw near to Him today?
Dear Lord, thank You for always being near and ready to welcome me. Even when I feel distant, You never move away from me. Help me to come to You freely, without fear or hesitation. Remind me that I am always invited into Your presence. Thank You for loving me with joy every single time I draw near. In Jesus name, amen.