Looking beyond the surface to find a deeper connection with God
Have you ever just paused and wondered what it would take for people to really have a heart for God, not just a set of beliefs or going through the motions? I found myself reflecting on this recently, and in that quiet moment, I sensed a simple but powerful answer: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
That’s actually straight from the Bible—James 4:8. And it’s more than just a nice saying. It’s a direct invitation from God, and a promise that He responds when we make the choice to come closer.
Why Do We Miss This?
Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, family, hobbies, and everything else, it’s easy to push spiritual things to the side. Sometimes, we just aren’t interested, or maybe we’ve picked up misleading ideas about who God really is. And sometimes, our churches focus so much on making things comfortable or easy that we don’t hear the full message—one that calls us to truly change and grow, not just say we believe.
So What Does “Draw Near” Actually Mean?
In everyday language, “drawing near” isn’t just about going to church, saying a prayer, or calling yourself a Christian. It’s about making a conscious effort to get to know God—like you would with a close friend. That can mean:
· Taking time to pray, even if it’s just a few honest words
· Reading the Bible to understand what God is actually saying
· Joining with others to worship or talk about faith
· Being open to God’s guidance, even when it challenges you
It’s a Two-Way Relationship
The promise in James 4:8 isn’t one-sided. It says that when we take a step toward God, He takes a step toward us. It’s not about jumping through hoops or being “perfect”—it’s simply about wanting a real connection. God isn’t distant or hard to reach; He’s waiting for us to come closer.
Why Humility and Repentance Matter
James also talks about cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts. In normal terms, that means recognizing when we mess up, being humble enough to admit it, and wanting to do better. It’s about saying, “I need you, God,” not “I’ve got it all figured out.” When we approach God with that attitude, He’s ready to meet us with grace.
Getting Practical: What Does This Look Like Today?
So much of what’s happening in the world—conflicts, stress, disappointment—reflects where our hearts are. If our main focus is what we want, or trying to fit in with what everyone else is doing, we end up feeling empty. The Bible says those kinds of desires actually get in the way of real prayer and real connection.
Instead, James tells us that submitting to God (which doesn’t mean losing yourself, but trusting Him) is the way forward. If we resist the things that pull us away—whether it’s temptations, pride, or bad habits—God promises to help us, and even to make the devil back off.
It’s About Relationship, Not Religion
The real message here is simple: God wants a relationship, not just a list of rules or empty traditions. He’s not trying to complicate your life or make things hard. Jesus said His “yoke is easy and His burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)—meaning that walking with God should bring peace, not stress.
A Promise You Can Count On
At the end of the day, “draw near to God and He will draw near to you” is both an invitation and a guarantee. If you genuinely seek Him, He promises to respond. Your life might not become instantly perfect, but you’ll find real comfort, real guidance, and real change.
So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck on the surface, or just going through the motions, remember that God is inviting you to come closer. Start simple. Take one step. Speak honestly. Seek Him—and watch how He meets you right where you are.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 