Drawing Near to God

“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)

Drawing near to God, just what does that look like? In the natural it would be getting physically close together. But in the spiritual, what does it look like? Some of us use prayer to get closer to God, but most of the time prayer is a monologue. Just me asking of God and not waiting for an answer. Others may use God’s Word, singing, worship or church services to draw closer to God or maybe even a combination of two or more of these. One thing is for sure, it must center on God’s will. He has revealed His will through His Word. We can pray, sing, worship, fellowship and study His Word to draw near to Him. Then when we receive an answer, whether it is from prayer His Word, or a word of knowledge from a fellow believer, we have the first step of drawing near to God. The second step is acting on it.

The prodigal son for instance. He came to himself while in the pig pen. If he only said it and never acted on it, he would have stayed in the pig pen and have been eating slop. But he acted on the revelation and started toward home. He was effectually drawing near to his father. When we act on a spiritual truth, we are effectually drawing near to God because it solidifies the truth within us. For example, Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath:” (KJV). I remember reading this scripture and soon afterwards I called someone who started talking with me very emotionally, and even became angry with me, as I was listening. I thought of Proverbs 15:1 and I asked with a soft voice, “What have I done?” The person immediately changed their tone of voice and attitude. After the phone call, I realized God’s Word really does work. Now it may not always work that quickly, but just keep applying God’s word and the truth must prevail.

Never let a truth of God that is revealed to you pass you by without acting on it. You may be eating slop or live in a world of chronic dispute. When we act on God’s Word we become more alive. God’s truth fills us when we draw close to God. Our faith, hope and love grow as we become more like Christ and practice His principles in all our affairs.

In Christ,

Greg