Present and Still Far from God.

Have you ever realized you’re just going through the motions?

You know, where you’re doing what you’re supposed to—showing up, checking the boxes—but deep down, you still feel far from God. 

Or that space where everything looks fine on the outside, but inside? You’re running on empty.

I’ve been there. Honestly, sometimes I didn’t even notice how far I’d drifted until God gently called me back. Not in anger. Not with shame. Just an invitation: Return to Me.

That’s the same invitation He gave through the prophet Zechariah. God’s people had come back from exile, but their hearts were still tired and distant. The temple was half-built, and spiritually, their hearts were as well.  They were partially, if not wholly, checked out. Sound familiar?

But instead of scolding them, God says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” It wasn’t a threat, but a promise. And guess what? That same promise still stands today.

If God feels distant, He hasn’t moved, but maybe we have. Perhaps we’ve slowly exiled ourselves through distraction or by trying to do life in our strength. But even in that, His heart is still for us. He’s still drawing us back.

How? Not by might. Not by power. But by His Spirit.(Zechariah 4:6)

Returning to God isn’t about achieving perfection or getting everything right. It’s not about performance. It’s about posture, returning our hearts to Him, and receiving the presence in Him we were made for.

So, whether you’re feeling strong in your faith or barely holding on, let’s return to His presence together as we pray the following:

🙏 Thank You, Lord, for not giving up on us when we drift.

🙏 Thank You for meeting us in weakness and our struggles with sin.

🙏 We praise You for Jesus, who made a way for us to return to Your presence.

🙏 Forgive us for trying to rebuild life on our terms.

🙏 Help us return, not just to church, but to You.

🙏 Remind us, Your presence isn’t earned but received.

🙏 Help us stop striving and start surrendering in identity, singleness, marriage, parenting, friendships, calling, education, career, cultural values, etc.

🙏 Fill us with and lead us by Your Spirit in the places we live, work, and play so that others may know Your presence.

🙏 Deliver and give us rest from the pressure to prove ourselves by might and power.

🙏 Draw us, our families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors into Your presence.

Don’t settle for another week of doing more but feeling less, drifting from God while trying to hold it all together on your own.

Arise and return, with our hearts wide, to the One who’s never left us. Jesus is the way back. He’s always been.

If you’re wondering how to reconnect with God or need someone to talk to, hit reply. We’d love to hear from you and invite you to join us today at noon.

God Bless,

Pastor Alvin & Mallary Brown
alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com

P.S. Is there something specific you need prayer for this week?  Just reply—we’d be honored to stand with you.

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General Prayer Requests & Updates

For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.

For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.

For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.

For finances and provisions.

For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU), University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and Dallas Baptist University (DBU).