The promise is so simple, so straightforward and true, it’s easy to dismiss it.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
What if He meant just what He said? What if the circumstances and signals all around you were echoing the same refrain? Maybe it’s time to take Him up on His promise…
When it seems as though you’re arguing with everybody in sight, it’s time to draw near.
When you’re lost in a war of wills, and it feels as though the whole world is pushing against you, it’s time to draw near.
When you life is a continuous array of unacceptable disappointments, it’s time to draw near.
When divorce or disowning is not an option, but murder is looking pretty good, it’s time to draw near.
When you’re jaded by jealousy, and others are enjoying the blessings you so desperately want for yourself, it’s time to draw near.
When you’re driven by desire, but frustrated by the wait, it’s time to draw near.
When you’ve prayed with no results, expected with no fulfillment, and believed with no reception, it’s time to draw near.
When you’ve partnered with the world and alienated yourself from God, it’s time to draw near.
When you’ve bowed up instead of bowing down, or exalted yourself instead of humbling yourself, it’s time to draw near.
When a glimmer of hope reminds you that His grace is greater than the worst of your sin, it’s time to draw near.
When the will of God is calling and the devil is resisting, it’s time to draw near.
When your hands are dirty and your heart is divided, it’s time to draw near.
When you find yourself laughing over what should make you weep, or sorrowful for what should bring you joy, it’s time to draw near.
When your highest ambitions have failed you and your pride has sabotaged your success, it’s time to draw near.
The beauty of His grace is that we are brought near by His blood, not by measures of human performance or the whims of circumstance. All heaven stands ready for the ransomed soul who will simply say no to his pride… and draw near.