Draw Near
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”
Hello Bride of Christ,
Do you desire God’s nearness? Yes, the ability to sense the God of the universe close! Good news awaits you. Father God desires a close relationship with you too.
As James wrote to the Jesus believing Jews of his day he encouraged them, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) James revealed to them, Father God draws near to those who seek Him genuinely and humbly. Yes, the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent One steps closer, diminishing the divide between Himself and His children when the key posture of humility is found. Humility allows us to step toward God and for Him to step toward us permitting intimacy with the living God.
God perceives this key ingredient of humility as we approach Him. He does not shrink back but steps forward closing the gap between us. James proceeded to unravel the heart of humility, “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.” (James 4:8-9) Humility opens the eyes of our hearts to see and acknowledge our true selves.
Sinners in desperate need of cleansing physically (hands), spiritually (hearts), and mentally (minds).
Upon this revelation naturally, we respond by weeping and lamenting the needed death of our old selves. What we once found laughter in we only see death. What once brought us joy now brings us nothing but gloom. Because now we see that friendship with the world keeps us from His nearness.
Bride of Christ, heed James’ exhortation, “humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10) Humility. Rightfully acknowledging who you are in the sight of the Lord. A sinner in need of grace, sweet favor of the almighty God. Bring your whole self - body, soul, and mind- to God and allow Him to draw near and lift you up. “Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4: 5-6) Lay down pride. Lay down self. In this state of humble submission, sense the ground of your heart tremble as the God of the universe moves towards you. He yearns for you!
