We draw close to what interests us. We desire to learn more about many things. When something catches our attention, we invest our time and money into it. We study it and learn all we can about it. Computers and phones come to my mind first.
God wants us to seek Him, in that focused way. He wants us to “draw” close to Him. Humble ourselves, resist the devil, wash our hands of our old sinful nature and rise anew with true sorrow and grief for our sins.
Notice that our scripture doesn’t say, ” God will draw close to you, and then you will draw close to God.”
We are well informed. Who He is, what He has done for us, how He will bless us and most certainly what His judgement looks like, is all there. Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 gives us everything we need to know about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. His word is in millions of homes worldwide. Nothing about what we must do, if there is to be a relationship, is secret.
One thing is very clear. He will patiently wait until all time ends. Until that day He longs for us to draw near to Him. He will not force us into a relationship with Him. He will not push His way into our lives. The first step is ours.
It is free will that put Adam and Eve out the gate of the garden and it is free will that will populate hell. We choose whom we will serve. Who we will worship as our God. We humble ourselves and relinquish control to Him. He is waiting. He is calling out…You first, please…You first. You draw to me in repentance and I will lift you up and give you honor. It is the only relationship we will ever have that will last through eternity.
~Scripture For Today~
James 4:7-10
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (NLT)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We praise You for who You are. We bow before You in repentance of the things of this world that draw us away from You. Thank You for a love like no other. Thank You for patience As You wait for us to see You through all the noise of this world. You desire a relationship with us that will last through eternity. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.