Drawing Closer to God Through Every Season of Life

James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”

Devotional Thought:
I’ve learned that drawing closer to God through every season of life isn’t about having perfect focus—it’s about having a heart that keeps turning back to Him, again and again. Staying close to God doesn’t always come naturally—especially when life is pulling us in a hundred directions. There have been seasons when I found it incredibly difficult to draw near to Him. Not because I didn’t love Him, but because everything else was so loud. Responsibilities. Family. Work. Disappointments. Even entertainment and the “good” things of life can become distractions when we’re not careful.

I think it’s important to recognize that we’re all wired differently. Some of us drift from God in times of sorrow. Others get distracted by the demands of everyday life. And some are pulled away by pleasures and comforts. But no matter the season—whether it's joy or grief, busy or still, clear or uncertain—God remains the same. And He continues to call us closer.

In my earlier walk with God, I used to think that if I didn’t feel a certain way, I couldn’t approach Him. But over time, I’ve learned that I can draw near to Him no matter what’s going on. Even on my busiest days, even in seasons of pain, He welcomes me in. And even when I don’t have much to offer, His presence is always enough.

Drawing near doesn’t always mean carving out hours of time (though that’s beautiful when possible). Sometimes it looks like whispering a prayer in the middle of a chaotic day. Sometimes it’s playing worship music in the car. Sometimes it’s choosing five minutes of Scripture over five more scrolls through your phone.

And when we do make that small choice to turn toward Him—whether we’re overflowing with joy or running on empty—He promises to meet us there.

A Look at Scripture:
One person in Scripture who lived this out well was David. His life was a rollercoaster—victories, betrayals, sin, and sorrow—but again and again, we see him return to God. Through psalms of praise and cries of desperation, David shows us what it looks like to seek God in every kind of season.

A Personal Note:
I’ve learned that closeness with God isn’t something we stumble into—it’s something we cultivate, day by day, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. And while the seasons of life will shift, His love and nearness remain constant.

A Prayer for Today:
Lord, thank You for always being near—even when I don’t feel it, even when I wander. Help me to draw close to You in every season of life. Give me the grace to seek You in the busy, in the quiet, in the joy, and in the pain. Teach me to value Your presence above everything else. Let my heart learn to rest in You—no matter what today holds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Study:

• Psalm 16:8

• Isaiah 55:6

• Lamentations 3:24–26

Before You Go…
If you’ve felt far from God lately, don’t be discouraged. He’s not waiting for perfection—He’s simply waiting for you. Start with a whisper, a verse, a moment. He’ll meet you there. And if this devotional encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend who may need the reminder: God is near in every season.