Sometimes I wonder if I’ve grown out of some elementary school stages. Like, in situations where I know I need to pay attention, if I sit in the back of the room, I usually wind up getting myself into trouble.

Case in point: A few days ago in church I sat three rows from the back, and while I was listening to my pastor, I also spent a good portion of his message attempting to make witty yet pointless quips to my neighbors. I know I missed out on some things I should have heard.

Same thing for boring meetings. Small conference room: I can pay attention, no problem. Big conference room: Expect me to be snickering with a co-worker unless I’m sitting next to the boss.

Hebrews 4:15-16 says: “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.”

The words “draw near” stand out to me because, like in a meeting or in church, I know it’s easier for me to pay attention when I’m closer to the person speaking. And clearly God knows how I operate, too.

Jesus works this way: When I wander, not only am I more likely to do something stupid, but he can’t draw close and help me because I’ve been keeping my distance in the first place. If I stay close to him—reading and thinking about him, praying to him, praising him—he’s more than happy to be there with me, too.

The best part is, he’s not going to put me in time-out for being a little troublemaker in the back. Jesus does, however, ask that I come close and listen to the things he has to tell. And he always goes more than halfway to meet me and welcome me back to be near him.