⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)

We may think that it is we who initiate contact with God, but in truth it is He who makes the first contact.

God simply wants us to draw near to Him so that His presence has an influence and impact on our lives every moment. He sends the Holy Spirit as a helper and guide in this life, an in dwelling of His own essence. How can we not draw near to Him!

But He also gives us free will and many choose to stay distant and live life on their own terms. Our God is such a loving God that He even allows this. He does not make us love Him, He gives us a choice and it is one we must make every moment of every day.

You see, everything in this world and the enemy wants to pull us further and further from God. The plan there is to keep us distracted and wanting for more of what the world has to offer. And boy, does it offer a lot! But God’s still small voice and gentle nudges work to draw us near to Him.

Reflect on: Just how near do you feel to God? If there is some distance purpose to close that gap today.