Draw Near To God!

James gives us the most important solution to every problem man can face. James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

We should draw near to God because we can. There was a time when none but the high priest of Israel could enter the Holy of Holies, but now, "by a new and living way," we draw near to God with all boldness (Hebrews 4:16; 7:9). God has placed His Spirit in His body, His members, His Church. Those members, the Christian, now are zealous to begin their service to Him. As we yield to His guidance, that child of God finds fulfillment which otherwise cannot, will not be found. It,s like the stream that empties into the river, which in turn finds itself ushered into the sea! Our struggling "stream" of consciousness seeks to find its way into God's open ocean of wonderful peace.

Draw near to God because of the contentment it brings. The man who deliberately keeps his distance from God will regret it for eternity. Apart from God, there is only emptiness, darkness and needless misery! But that man who comes near God discovers the joy that Christ knew for Himself (John 17:15). There is joy, without an alloy.

Draw near to God because of the change it produces. Moses drew near to God on Mount Sinai, and on descending that mount, he found it necessary to veil his face because the people could not look at him.The bible account states, "Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him." (NKJV) The life that has been with God reflects where it has been. Godliness is neither an accident nor a pretense. In the presence of Jehovah, we may unburden our hearts as He listens who knows us so well. Christian, hungry soul, spend time with your Maker. People will be drawn to your side in search of what you have found as you reflect the God with whom you spend time. In prayer, Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

One of the most remarkable passages of the Old Testament needs to find its way back into our hearts; Psalm 102:2-3, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases," (NKJV).

Have you given up and forsaken that one pathway to glory? Finding no strength in yourself, have you come to the conclusion there is no strength at all? Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "I (you and me) CAN DO all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) Consider God's Word as we conclude;

Isaiah 40:28-31, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (NKJV)

                                                                     God bless until our next time...