Scripture:

“When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.”
— Luke 2:45

Devotion:

Have you ever felt distant from Jesus? Like somehow, along life’s journey, you lost sight of Him. It can be a disheartening feeling but take heart, Jesus has not left you. The question is, where did you last encounter Him?

In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph experienced this very fear. They assumed Jesus was with them as they traveled home from Jerusalem, only to realize He was missing. Where did they find Him? Right where they left Him, in the temple, doing the work of His Father.

If you feel like you’ve lost Jesus, consider:

• Were you once faithful in prayer, but now struggle to find the time?
• Did you once feel His presence in Scripture, but have neglected His Word?
• Did you experience His nearness in worship, but now your heart feels cold?

Jesus never abandons us, but we can drift. The good news is that He is always where He has always been, waiting for us to return. Go back to where you last encountered Him. Open your Bible, bend your knees in prayer, and rekindle your worship.

You have not lost Him; He is still there. All you have to do is turn back.

Prayer:
Lord, I confess that at times I have wandered from You. I have allowed distractions, worries, and busyness to pull me away. Help me to return to where I last encountered You, to seek You in Your Word, in prayer, and in worship. Thank You for always being there, waiting with open arms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.