Draw Nearer to God!

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

Draw nearer and closer to God because He is taking record. Draw near to him. Do not be afraid of him, for he is with you; He will not abandon your soul in his presence. Draw near to him, and He will give you rest. He will show you the secret place where the source of abundant life is found. He will teach and encourage you in the way you should go.

I remember going to church when I was young and receiving a list of things we couldn’t do. It seemed as if everything I enjoyed doing was on that list. It took me years to submit my entire life to God. However, there were some things on that list I still wanted to do. I was a regular active churchgoer, but I never fully dedicated my life and will to God.

In Psalm 32:8-10, the Lord said, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle, or they will not come to you. So many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.”

I knew deep down inside that it would take a huge sacrifice for me. I knew that it would cause me to change my ways. Likewise, I knew that I could no longer practice sin. When God convicted me at that altar, the feeling that overcame me was different from any feeling I had ever felt before. I no longer cared about sinning. I wanted to stay in God’s presence. When you have a real encounter with God, sin isn’t attractive any longer.

Don’t think about what you need to leave behind; think about how renewed your spirit will feel. I can promise that you will feel the weight lifted from you as you give God your worries, your concern, and your problems. He wants to be there for you. God wants to connect with you in such a way that you tell him your deepest secrets. He wants to be your best friend. So maybe you are asking, “how do you connect with God?” You can talk to God just like you talk to your friends, and He will answer and draw near you. Revelation 3:20 says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.”

Prayer:
1. Oh! Lord, I am thankful for your guidance and encouragement when I come to you.
2. Draw me close to you, Oh Lord almighty. Please help me find my way back to you in reading your word, in supplication, and thanksgiving in Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. Lord, I receive the grace to fellowship with you, purify me, Lord, and make me whole in you.