James 4:8(KJV)
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
One of our responsibilities in fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives is a conscious effort to draw nearer to Him. Actively seeking God is the key to drawing near to Him. It requires a deliberate and intentional desire to get closer to the Lord. As we take the initiative to draw near, God responds with a reciprocal movement towards us. In other words, when we draw near to God, He, in turn, draws nearer to us and helps us to fulfill His plan and purpose on earth. It is written in 2 Chronicles 15:2, “…………. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” God will stick with us as long as we stick with Him; however, if we leave Him, He will leave us. Drawing nearer to God is profitable in time and eternity. The truth is, the closer we get to God, the closer He gets to us, thereby putting our destinies under pressure to be released. As we draw close, we find strength and refreshment, with God molding us into His likeness, as we discern His will and purpose.
Drawing near to God involves seeking holiness, desiring to submit to His will, and knowing His Word. It requires setting aside deliberate moments for solitude, prayer, and reflection. It also involves acknowledging our sins, receiving forgiveness through Jesus, and embracing God’s grace. Sarah Flower Adams wrote, “Though, like the wanderer, the sun gone down. Darkness be over me, My rest a stone. Yet in my dreams, I’d be Nearer, my God to Thee! Nearer, my God to Thee! Nearer to Thee!” It is also essential to know that there must always be cooperation between man and God for man to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. This means we must embrace responsibilities to reach where we are destined to reach on earth because every Divine provision has human conditions. Many people could not reach God’s ordained plan for their lives because they refused to take responsibility and live for God. We live in a generation with many resistances and confrontations against the fulfillment of human destinies. The most significant attack on anyone’s destiny is sin. Sin has taken over the lives of many, making it impossible for them to fulfill their destinies, but God has given us what it takes. Sin has no dominion over us; we must follow God’s precepts and fulfill our destiny. Psalm 119:45 says, “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.”
Beloved, be consistent in heartfelt communion with God by praying, studying His Word, and praising and worshipping Him intimately. Draw close to God and avoid every temptation to sin. Renew your relationship with the Lord, and let holiness become your motto—endeavor to please Him in all your ways. Increase your passion for Him and remain patient when expecting His manifestation. As you increase your love for God and refuse to be overwhelmed by the things of this world, God will also reveal Himself to you in Jesus’ Name. Believe and act on everything God says to you. Do not allow the sin you hold onto so firmly to hinder your approach to God. Instead, draw closer to Him and humbly purify your hands and hearts. Overcome the obstacles that prevent you from reaching Christ; whether that be the opinions of others, pride, or any other sin, you may be clinging to. Quit playing the field. The sinful fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Go on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Remember, your closeness with God will always attract His Blessings on all sides.
O Lord, baptize me with an unquenchable passion and affection for You, and let me see Your Glory in Jesus’ Name.