THE CLOSER YOU GET

When I was 14 years old, I visited Sevan Monastery for the first time with the youth group of the Araratian Diocese. We were driving toward the Peninsula, and as we got closer, the view became more and more beautiful. The sparkling lake, the green hills, the dramatic cliffs, and finally, the magnificent Monastery—it all seemed to unfold in breathtaking glory the closer we got.

That’s exactly what happens when you get closer to God. The closer you get to Him, the more of His goodness and beauty you will see. The more you look to Him, the more you seek Him, the more His light will illuminate your life.

The Bible says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” That’s His promise to us. When you make the decision to pursue God, to seek Him in prayer, worship, and obedience, life takes on a whole new beauty. You begin to see His fingerprints on everything—your relationships, your purpose, your blessings.

When I look back on my life, I can see how God’s hand was leading me even then. Two years after that first visit to Sevan Monastery, I entered the seminary on that very peninsula and spent five years studying and growing in my faith. What I didn’t realize at the time was that God was already preparing me, shaping me for the path ahead.

That’s the power of seeking God. He not only reveals His beauty and goodness to you, but He also guides you into His perfect plan for your life. You may not see it right away. You may wonder why you’re walking through a certain season, but trust me, God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating every detail for your good.

So, let’s make it our prayer to draw closer to God. Maybe it’s by spending a few more minutes in prayer each morning. Maybe it’s by diving into His Word and meditating on His promises. Take that step toward Him, and as you draw closer, don’t be surprised if you start noticing things you’ve never noticed before—peace in the midst of chaos, blessings in the ordinary, and strength when you feel weak. That’s the beauty of our God. The closer you get, the more you’ll see.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
February 6, 2025