Draw Near to God

James 4:1-10 is the exhortation to the worldly, self-serving Christians. James tells them to return to God. The command to draw near to God implies that their ungodly behavior (James 4:1-3) and worldliness (James 4:4) put distance between them and God. Our sin and disobedience damage our fellowship with God and hinder our prayers. Ungodliness and worldliness (the love of the world) keep us from enjoying sweet intimacy with God. "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does His will." (John 9:31) God withdraws His favor from unrepentant sinners. It's not that God cannot hear or that He leaves, but because of sin, He will not listen and will not answer. Sin builds barriers between us and God. Once we confess our sins to God and receive His forgiveness, our communion with Him is restored. Drawing near to God is not a one-time act or once-a-week activity (ex: attending church). It must be our constant desire, intention, and devotion to be close to God as long as we live. To know God more intimately does not just happen; we must spend much time with Him in prayer, in worship, and in His Word. There are no shortcuts. When we come near to God, He will come near to us (in fact, we will find Him waiting to welcome us and restore us). "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." (Psalm 145:8) He is near to forgive, comfort, help, guide, strengthen, and bless us, when we draw near to Him and call on Him. When I reflect upon God's majesty, glory, and holiness, I am so grateful that He would allow us to come near to Him. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! Because of the finished atoning work of our sinless Great High Priest, we can now draw near to God through Him, Who always lives to intercede for us. "Let us draw near (proserchomai in Greek = literally come before) to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my Refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds." (Psalm 73:28) The nearer we are to God, the less we are enamored with the attractions and pleasures of this world. The more we know God and the longer we taste His goodness, the less sins and worldly things can entice us. It is always good to be near God; close, constant communion with God is an antidote for many ills.

"Wash your hands, you sinners."--This command refers to moral and spiritual cleansing (from the filth and stain of sin and worldliness). We must confess, repent, and turn away from sin ("go and sin no more"). Conduct yourselves with integrity. "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false." (Psalm 24:3-4) 

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And purify your hearts, you double-minded."--You double-minded (you who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time), quit being so. Instead, make sure your inner motives and attitudes are pure and right. Love God; hate sin. Follow God; forsake the world (worldliness). God wants our undivided allegiance. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) "Having clean hands" (outward obedience) is not enough; our hearts must also be pure and fully devoted to God alone. Neither hypocrisy nor spiritual adultery is allowed. Both the outside and the inside of "the cup" must be clean. God wants from us not only our undefiled conduct but also our undivided affection (single-minded heart).

“Farewell, vain world; my soul bids you adieu.
My Savior taught me to abandon you.
Your charms may gratify a sensual mind,
but cannot please a soul for God designed.”    (David Brainerd)

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, draw Thou near me,
Let Thy Spirit dwell with mine;
Open now my ear to hear Thee,
Take my heart and seal it Thine;
Keep me, lead me on my way,
Thee to follow and obey,
E’er to do Thy will and fear Thee,
And rejoice to know and hear Thee.

Underneath Thy wings abiding,
In Thy Church, O Savior dear,
Let me dwell, in Thee confiding,
Hold me in Thy faith and fear;
Take away from me each thought
That with wickedness is fraught,
Tempting me to disobey Thee,

Root it out, O Lord, I pray Thee.
(from the hymn, "Dearest Jesus, Draw Thou Near Me, by Thomas Hansen Kingo)