Drawing Near to God

We often chase after things that never truly satisfy, and in the process, we drift away from God. Yet the invitation of Scripture is clear: drawing near to God is the path to peace, cleansing, and renewal. James reminds us that when we humble ourselves and turn from sin, God Himself draws close to us. The nearness of God is not reserved for the spiritual elite. It is offered to every believer who comes with a heart that is truly surrendered.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. 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 purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

James 4:7–10 ESV

God draws near to those who humble themselves and seek Him with a sincere heart.

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Big Idea 1: Submission Precedes Nearness

We cannot cling to sin and expect closeness with God.
James begins with a call to submit to God and resist the devil. Drawing near to God starts with yielding our will to His and refusing to give the enemy ground in our lives. Submission is not a weakness. It is a strength under God’s authority. As we surrender daily choices to Him, we discover freedom, clarity, and a renewed sense of His presence.

This kind of submission requires honesty about where we have allowed pride or compromise to creep in. We cannot walk closely with God while still holding onto sin. It calls for confession, repentance, and a willingness to let go of habits or attitudes that keep us distant. True submission is practical and lived out in the small daily choices to obey His Word and to trust His guidance.

There will be times when obedience feels costly, yet those are often the moments when our faith grows the most. Submitting to God may mean releasing control of our plans, forgiving when it is difficult, or speaking truth with love when it would be easier to remain silent. As we take these steps, we find that His way always leads to life. Drawing near to God through submission opens the door to deeper fellowship and a stronger foundation for every part of our spiritual journey.

Big Idea 2: Cleansing the Heart and Hands

Purity prepares us for God’s presence.
James calls for clean hands and pure hearts, images that represent both our outward actions and inward motives. Drawing near to God is not about empty ritual but about a sincere turning from sin. It is an invitation to let the Spirit search us, cleanse us, and restore us so that our lives reflect His holiness.

This cleansing goes deeper than surface behavior. It requires us to allow God to shine His light into the hidden corners of our hearts, revealing attitudes, motives, and desires that are not pleasing to Him. Confession is the doorway to freedom, and repentance is the pathway that leads us back into intimacy with the Father. When we repent, we are not simply admitting wrong; we are choosing a new direction led by His Spirit.

Repentance may bring tears, but those tears water the ground for new joy. They soften our hearts and prepare us for God’s healing touch. As we allow Him to purify us, His forgiveness brings peace, His Spirit brings renewal, and His love strengthens our resolve to walk closely with Him.

When cleansing takes place, it reorders both our priorities and our desires. Outwardly, we begin to act with integrity, mercy, and compassion, while inwardly we cultivate a heart that beats in rhythm with God’s holiness. This process of cleansing reminds us that drawing near to God is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of life lived in His presence.

Big Idea 3: Humility Opens the Door

The way up is down before God.
James teaches that when we humble ourselves, the Lord lifts us. Drawing near to God requires abandoning self-reliance and acknowledging our need for His grace. Humility positions us to receive His mercy, His guidance, and His strength.

This humility is not groveling. It is an honest recognition that God is God and we are not. It means setting aside pride and refusing to depend on our own strength or wisdom. When we bow low before Him, we are placing our confidence in His care and wisdom rather than our own understanding.

When we practice humility in this way, the Lord meets us with kindness. He does not shame us but restores us. He lifts us into the security of His love, where we find true joy, lasting peace, and renewed courage to walk with Him. In this posture of humility, drawing near to God becomes a daily rhythm that shapes our relationships, decisions, and witness to the world around us.

Conclusion

The invitation is simple but life-changing: draw near to God and He will draw near to you. As we submit to His authority, cleanse our lives from sin, and humble our hearts, we find the God of the universe bending low to meet us. Drawing near to God transforms ordinary days into holy ground where His presence is real and His grace sustains us.

This invitation calls us to evaluate what keeps us distant and to lay it down. Distractions, pride, and sin can all dull our awareness of His presence, but they are no match for His mercy when we turn to Him. Every time we choose to surrender, we find Him ready to meet us with love and forgiveness. In this way, the practice of drawing near becomes a daily rhythm that shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Do not let distraction, pride, or sin keep you distant. Choose today to take one step closer to Him, confident that He is ready to meet you there. Even the smallest step taken in faith can open the door to deeper fellowship and renewal in His presence.

Action Step

Set aside ten minutes today to be still before God. Confess any sin, surrender your plans, and simply invite Him to draw near. Write down what He impresses on your heart during that time.

“The nearer a man approaches to God, the greater he sees his own sinfulness.”
Charles Spurgeon

How has drawing near to God changed your life? Share your story in the comments to encourage others. Don’t forget to subscribe for more devotionals and encouragement to support your walk with Christ. If this post blessed you, share it on your social media to inspire others to seek His presence.

Prayer

Father, I want to draw near to You. Forgive me for the times I have allowed sin and pride to keep me distant. Cleanse my heart, guide my steps, and meet me with Your presence. Teach me humility and deepen my desire to walk closely with You each day. Amen.

It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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