**This response is a good example of giving sound, biblical advice and connecting personally with the questioner. The response is encouraging in tone and gives some practical next steps to follow. **

Question: I have recently been going off track a bit and I want to come back to God again and make myself right with him. How can I get back on track, what do I need to do? Thank you for helping me.

Answered by: Kelly Russell, who has been a volunteer with us since June, 2015.

Answer: Dear friend,

Thank you for reaching out to us. I’m so glad you have recognized your “drift.” This is critically important in getting back on track in your relationship with the Lord. It’s something most Christ followers experience from time to time. Just like a drift in the water, we must intentionally re-route ourselves back to shore. There are many scriptures that remind us how to get back. James 4:8 says, to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. We do this mainly through reading the scriptures. So, what you can do is pick back up where you may have left off previously. Or, just begin a fresh Bible-reading plan. Find one here: https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/

The next best action is to get connected in a local church community. If you are attending a church, inquire about the small groups they offer. This is also an important step in getting back on track. Because God designed the Church as a body, we need to be around other people to function with all the potential He created us with (Hebrews 10:23-25).

The final part of reconciling yourself to God is simply to talk to Him. Prayer is a two-way conversation between you and the Lord. He loves to hear from you anytime. There is no formal way to do this. It’s just a matter of sharing your heart with His in a genuine manner (John 4:24, Romans 8:36). When we do these things, you will sense a change in your perspective. The closer you are to God, the better perspective we have on everything else. And, it leaves little room for the enemy to bring division. This is an ongoing practice—it’s a discipline. But one that is produces internal peace and strength in your inner man. Nothing compares to being in the presence of God. And we can do that anywhere, anytime.

I’ll leave you with this reminder: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.'” Psalm 27:7-8