Psalms 73: 28 – 28 “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.”
James 4:7-8 – “So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.”
Hello Precious child of the Most High – can a human being draw near to God? Let us face the reality; where can God be found geographically so that we can in turn draw nearer to Him? As mind-boggling as it may sound, our Heavenly Father wants us to know that we can actually take steps to draw near to Him.
To draw near to someone is to go closer to that person to the point of getting in touch or connected to that person. Apostle James, in our Scripture reference, admonishes us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. God is Omnipresent. Not only is He present everywhere but more so, everywhere is before Him.
Drawing near is not moving from one place to another. It is directing of the heart into the Presence of God who is as distant as the Holy of Holies in Heaven, and yet as near as the door of Faith. He is commanding us to come. We can “draw near” to Him by: Learning about Him in the scriptures. Serving and loving others, like He would.
Therefore, to draw closer to God is to seek Him with all your heart and walk in His ways. Those who love and seek Him, He makes His abode with them (John 14:21,23). Therefore, James explains that it takes clean hands, pure heart and Christ-centered mind to draw nearer to God.
“Draw near to God” is a phrase that expresses the heart’s attitude of coming close to God, like how one might want to be with a loved one. It’s not about moving from one place to another, but rather directing one’s heart into God’s Presence.
When the Savior invites us to “draw near” to Him, it is like when He says, “Follow me” or “Come unto me.” He is inviting us to follow His example and develop a deep, intimate, and personal relationship with Him. God manifests Himself in the lives of those who truly seek Him and walk in His ways.
We must first draw near “with a sincere heart.” The word sincere means true or dependable. It is more than simple sincerity, though it includes this. Many religious people come to God in sincerity, but not in truth. Our God demands both.
Beloved, it is our attitude towards God that attracts His manifest presence in our lives. And if God’s manifest presence is with you, you have more than enough to have a fulfilled life. His presence makes all the difference. That is why David prayed fervently; _”Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”_(Psalms 51:11,).
Dear one, do you really value God’s Presence in your life? I want to inspire us all today. Let us submit to God, resist the devil, have clean hands, pure hearts, and minds. If we feel God is too far, it is not because He has moved away, but that we have moved away from Him. Draw near to God, and He shall surely draw near to you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, please help me to keep clean hands and a pure heart. As I seek to draw near to you, please surround me with Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
QUESTION FOR MEDITATION
Do I really value God’s Presence in my life?
