Come Close to Jesus - Encouragement for Today - March 05, 2026

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March 5, 2026

Come Close to Jesus
LYSA TERKEURST

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“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)

I have to let you in on a secret about me that’s really kind of awkward to admit as a Bible teacher: I’ve never felt like I’m terrific at praying.

Now, don’t get me wrong … I want to hear from God, and I fully acknowledge how important it is to go to Him with everything I face. But more often than I’d like to admit, when I start to pray, I feel distracted. My brain wants to process what’s happening in my life rather than give it to Jesus. My mind is a mix of confusion about one situation, a desire to prove my point with another issue, gratitude for some things going well, and frustration over the fact that some people who cause a lot of hurt seem to get away with it.

Sometimes when I try to sit with my heavenly Father, I just want to apologize for all of this chaos I bring into my time with Him.

Can you relate?

For me, it’s easy to land in a place of feeling ashamed of these swirling questions, uncertainties, and fears. But that’s a dangerous place to be. Because you know what we sometimes do when we’re feeling ashamed, messy, or frustrated by things not going the way we hoped? We avoid Jesus and try to muddle along on our own.

But that’s the exact opposite of what Jesus wants us to do. He doesn’t want us to run away; He invites us to come close to Him. He deeply understands our every hurt and struggle: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

So all those things you’re wondering if you should talk to Jesus about? Yes — to all of them. You can approach Him just as you are. Here are five reminders of how precious you are to Him, right here and right now:

He promises nothing can separate you from His love. “… Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV).

He promises when you’re weak, He’s strong. “… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, ESV).

He promises to carry your burdens. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

He promises to be the well of living water when you feel spiritually dry and emotionally drained. “… Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38, NIV).

He promises counsel and comfort. “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you” (John 14:26, AMPC).

Coming close to Jesus through prayer is one of His greatest gifts to us. We don’t have to carry our burdens and worries alone. We aren’t limited to our own resources for strength or wisdom. We don’t have to hide the chaos that might be swirling in our minds or in our lives.

He is not disappointed in you because your prayers haven’t been more consistent or elaborate. He simply wants you to place more and more of your life into His very capable hands.

He loves every second you spend with Him. But most of all, He loves you. God’s grace is the sweetest when we acknowledge that we want more in our relationship with Him. He treasures His children who come tumbling and stumbling into His presence. And He wants you to know that prayer is the perfect connection between all you need and the wondrous love He has for you.

Dear Lord, thank You for being a safe place where I can bring my doubts, fears, hopes, and desires. I pray You would help still my mind and heart with the peace only You can provide so I can truly rest in Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Can we be honest for a second? Prayer doesn’t always feel calm or sacred. Sometimes it feels unfinished. Distracted. Like you showed up but didn’t quite know what to do with yourself once you got there. That’s not a failure — it’s real life. And it’s the exact reason women reach out to Proverbs 31 Ministries asking for prayer. They’re not trying to be more spiritual; they’re just trying to stay connected. When you give today, you help meet her in that honest place with Scripture and prayer instead of letting her feel like she’s doing faith wrong. And as our thank-you, you’ll receive Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst, a prayer book written for moments when honesty matters more than perfect, polished words. Thank you in advance for helping another woman find hope in her hardest moments — your “yes” matters more than you know.

ENGAGE

Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (NIV).

What is your biggest struggle with approaching the Lord in prayer? Which scriptural promise from today’s devotion speaks to that struggle the most? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org