Do you ever find yourself feeling distant from God, like there’s an invisible barrier making it harder to connect spiritually? You’re not alone in this experience. Many of us go through seasons of feeling disconnected, even though our hearts yearn for a closer relationship with the divine. Today, we’re going to dive into a passage that has the power to transform how we experience God’s presence—James 4:7-8. These verses hold a simple yet profound invitation to draw near to God, and in doing so, they promise that He will draw near to us.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8
The Call to Submit
The passage starts with a powerful call to submit ourselves to God. At first glance, the word “submit” might not sit well with us. In modern culture, submission can sound like weakness or loss of control. However, in the biblical context, submission is not about losing yourself. Instead, it means willingly aligning our lives with God’s will and trusting in His wisdom. It’s about letting go of our pride and acknowledging that we need Him. By doing so, we open our hearts to His guidance and love, which leads us into a more intimate relationship with Him.
Resisting the Devil
Right after calling us to submit, James emphasizes the importance of resisting the devil. This might sound daunting, but it’s a reminder of the spiritual battles we all face. The devil’s presence is very real, often manifested through temptations or doubt. Yet, the comforting truth here is that when we resist, the devil will flee from us. This resistance isn’t about our strength alone; it’s about leaning on God’s power to stand firm against evil influences. It’s an empowering assurance that we are not alone—God equips us to withstand these trials.
Drawing Near to God
Perhaps the most encouraging part of this passage is the call to draw near to God. This is an open invitation from our Creator, signaling that He’s always ready to receive us with open arms. What an incredible thought—that the Almighty desires a close relationship with each of us! Approaching God might involve prayer, reading and reflecting on scripture, or simply being still and aware of His presence. And the promise is that if we make the effort to draw near, God will reciprocate. He longs to be close to us as much as we long to be close to Him.
Cleansing and Purifying
The final exhortation to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts challenges us to examine our lives. It’s a call for both external actions (our hands) and internal attitudes (our hearts). In a sense, it’s about striving for holiness—not in a way that feels burdensome, but in a way that brings us peace and joy. By addressing the double-mindedness that distracts and divides our loyalties, we can focus our lives more fully on God. This part might require true introspection and even some discomfort, as it involves letting go of things that hinder our spiritual growth.
James 4:7-8 is a powerful reminder of how much God desires for us to be in His presence. As we navigate our lives, choosing to submit, resist, draw near, and purify our hearts can transform our relationship with Him. These simple yet profound steps lead us a long way toward experiencing the depth of God’s love and the richness of life with Him.