Daily Devotionals

Return for a Relationship With God

Posted in Grace/Forgiveness

Scripture:  “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” – Job 22:23

When I was growing up, I loved going to my grandparents’ house. I was lucky because they only lived a few blocks away, so I often rode my bike to visit. Many afternoons were spent at their house just hanging out, eating Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, and watching Lawrence Welk and “Hee Haw.” As I got older, life got busier for this teenager.  I hung out with my friends more than my grandparents. One day, I realized how much I missed spending time with them. How good it always made me feel just watching TV or talking about soap operas with them. So, I would return to their house so I could get the good feelings that only they could give, and I would be refreshed.  

But then, life would get busy, and high school football games and pizza with friends would once again replace my days with my grandparents. And yet, I always knew that I could just show up to their house, and they would be there– probably holding Mickey Mouse ice cream bars– and would forgive my absence. I just had to show up; I just had to return.

God is always there, with open arms and forgiveness.  He just asks us to return to him.  God knows we will make mistakes, and he knows that we “get busy.” But if we return to him, we will be forgiven. Jesus Christ died for our sins, but sins continue to be part of our lives. 

As Christians, we believe that his death set us free to be saved; yet, if we do not acknowledge and ask for forgiveness of our continued sins, can we truly have a relationship with God? Does returning just mean one time? No, we must return repeatedly. As long as we continue to sin, as long as we want to have a relationship with God, we must continue to return to him. 

He is there for us, BUT we must put forth the effort in our relationship with him.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to understand that it is never too late to return to you. Help us know that it’s never too late to acknowledge our sins and repent our wicked ways, so that we may have a true relationship with you. God, we know that we are surrounded by sin, but if we return to you, you will forgive us, and our relationship will be stronger. We give you thanks for your love.  Amen.

Submitted by Leigh Pound