“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8 (NIV)
Consider a family living together under one roof. They share meals and chores but often feel disconnected because each member is absorbed in their own activities—work, school, or hobbies. When they make an effort to communicate and align their goals, the household runs smoothly, and their relationships thrive. This is similar to our relationship with God. Although He is always with us, we sometimes drift away, preoccupied with our own lives, and fail to submit to His will.
James wrote this letter to early Christian communities scattered across different regions. These believers faced various trials and temptations, and James aimed to encourage them to live out their faith genuinely. He emphasized practical Christian living, urging them to submit to God, resist worldly temptations, and draw near to Him.
Even though God is always with us, we often find ourselves distant from Him, not fully submitting to His will. Just as family members in the same house can feel disconnected, we too can feel distant from God despite His constant presence. James reminds us that by submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us.
As we reflect on our daily lives, let’s identify areas where we may be drifting away from God. Are there distractions or temptations pulling us away from His presence? Let us consciously submit to His will, resist those distractions, and seek a closer relationship with Him. This might involve setting aside dedicated time for prayer, reading Scripture, or simply being still in His presence.
Drawing near to God requires intentionality. Just as a family must work to stay connected, we must actively seek to align our hearts and minds with God’s will. When we do, we experience the fullness of His presence and the peace that comes from being close to Him.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for always being near to us. Help us recognize when we drift away and fail to submit to Your will. Give us the strength to resist the distractions and temptations that pull us away from You. Draw us closer to You and let us experience the peace and joy that comes from being in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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