Catching Birds

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 NIV

“Come back here!” I scolded my son as he darted across the Wal-mart parking lot.  “But, Mommy I almost caught one,” he told me referring to the tiny birds always found hopping between the cars looking for cast-off French fries and other tasty morsels.  I watched as my seven-year-old crept closer and closer to the bird standing next to our oil covered wheels. 

Step.  Step.  Step.  “Aww, man.”  He wasn’t fast enough.  The bird darted away in search of a safer place to glean.  Do you ever feel like my son?  Something you want is at arm’s length and as you reach out to grasp it, it’s gone.  Maybe it’s a child you desperately desire.  For some, it may be a new job.  A new house.  A clean bill of health.  A happy marriage.  The list could continue.  We’ve all felt the hopelessness of not getting what we want.

But friends, I have some good news.  I know something better than any of those things.  It’s within reaching distance.  And beloved, this one won’t slip out of your grasp.  It’s the love of God.  Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8 NIV)  God will not flutter away and leave you with an oily wheel.  He will not step back when you step forward. And as fast as you can run to Him, He will run to you.  He will march straight into your arms.  The closer you get, the closer you will become. 

 So what are you waiting for?  Step.  Step.  Step.  “Amen.”