By: Phil Stanley Aug. 16th, 2026
Moving Forward: A Devotional
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” — James 4:8 (NLT)
You don’t realize how much junk you’re holding onto until you try to move.
Not just the boxes in your garage — I’m talking about the old arguments. The offenses. The resentment you shoved in a closet years ago and told yourself you dealt with. You didn’t deal with it. You stored it. And every time God tries to move you forward, that box is in the way.
James 4:1 tells us where the quarrels and fights come from — the desires at war within us. Before we try to win the argument, we need to ask the Holy Spirit: “What desire inside of me is fueling this?” That’s where the real work starts.
And here’s the beautiful thing: God gives grace generously. James 4:6 says He opposes the proud but pours out grace on the humble. Humility isn’t weakness — it’s the strength to lay something down that your flesh wants to hold onto. It takes more strength to forgive than it does to stay bitter. It takes more courage to let go than it does to keep score.
Some of us have said “I forgive you” and then spent the next five years monitoring the other person’s life. That’s not forgiveness — that’s parole. True forgiveness means you release the debt, cancel what they owe you, and stop standing at the window watching to see if they’re worthy of the gift you gave. You can’t move forward if you’re still standing in the old house.
So here’s the invitation today: draw near to God. Moving forward isn’t just about getting away from something — it’s about getting closer to Someone. Don’t just visit God’s presence. Move in.
Takeaway: You can’t settle into a new season if you’re still living out of boxes spiritually. Unpack the unforgiveness, lay down the pride, and put down roots again — in His presence, in His Word, in His community.
Prayer: Lord, show me what I’ve been storing that’s keeping me from moving forward. Give me the humility to lay it down and the courage to truly let it go. I don’t want to just visit Your presence — I want to move in. Help me draw close to You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
