To Whom Does God Draw Near?

Ken

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8 KJV). But, how do you draw near to a Holy God? “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4:8). Flee known sin with abandon through repentance. Do you desire God’s presence closer to you? Only the Holy Spirit would place that desire in your heart. Fear and doubt better serve the Devil, when we wonder, if God can be trusted so much or at all. James instructs that anyone can quickly clarify their relationship to God. “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4:8). It is like the sign next to the kitchen sink in the Fellowship Hall at Church: “Clean hands and a pure heart. Thanks! God.”

Instead of waiting for God to draw closer to you, take that thought as the Spirit of God already dealing with your heart. It is your move to respond to Him. As you make any effort to draw closer to Him in repentance, faith, prayer, seeking Him through His Word, attempting to serve Him — He will be responding to you. 

  1. Drawing near to God through trust enables us to better testify of Him. “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Thy works” (Psalm 73:28). 
  2. The LORD comforts those who trust Him with His presence. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). 
  3. God addresses the never repentant ones with disgust. “Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish! For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you” (Acts 13:41 NET). 

Father, may we not be among the scoffers, but may we be awakened that You have already made Your move toward us. Help us to respond in faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.