How to Draw Near to God
James 4:8 - "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (KJV)
Drawing Near
Have you ever longed for a deeper connection with God? In a world filled with noise and distraction, the idea of truly knowing God can feel both essential and elusive. However, the Bible offers a profound invitation, a simple yet powerful promise that can transform your life.
Apostle James extends this very hand of hope: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8, KJV). This isn't just a verse; it's a divine principle, a blueprint for intimacy with our Creator.
But what does it truly mean to "draw near" to God? How do we, in our humanity, approach the holy and sacred presence of God, and what does He require of us in return for His nearness?
Today, we will unlock the rich meaning behind James 4:8. We'll explore powerful cross-references and supporting Bible verses that illuminate God's unchanging character and His desire for fellowship.
Prepare to discover the practical ways we are called to draw close to God, the manner in which He expects us to come into His presence, and the essential requirements for a relationship with God. Get ready to embark on a journey that promises to bring you closer to the heart of God than ever before.
How are We to Draw Close to God and in What Manner?
Drawing close to God is not a passive act, but an active, intentional pursuit. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" is a powerful invitation. It forms the cornerstone of our understanding on how to build a true relationship with God.
How does God expect for us to come into His presence?
Through Faith in Jesus Christ
The New Testament makes it clear that the only way to genuinely approach God is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-20 states, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh."
Christ's sacrifice on the cross tore the veil that separated humanity from God, providing the access we need. Therefore, drawing near begins with acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior.
With a True and Sincere Heart (Repentance and Humility)
James 4:8, in its full context, says, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
This highlights the necessity of repentance and a sincere desire to turn away from sin. God does require a humble heart.
Psalm 51:17 says, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
In Prayer and Supplication
Communication is vital in any relationship, and our relationship with God is no exception. Prayer is our means of speaking to God, expressing our adoration, confessing our sins, sharing our burdens, and making our requests known.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Regular and heartfelt prayer draws us into His presence.
Through the Study and Application of His Word
The Bible is God's revealed truth to humanity. As we read, meditate on, and obey His Word, we come to know His character, His will, and His ways.
Psalm 119:105 declares, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we draw near to the mind of God and allow His truth to transform us.
In Obedience to His Commands
Love for God is demonstrated through obedience.
John 14:15 states, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
As we strive to live according to His ways, we align our lives with His will, and this active obedience is a powerful way of drawing near to Him. It shows a desire to honor and please Him.
Through Worship and Adoration
To draw near to God is to acknowledge His supreme power and to give Him glory. Our worship can be expressed through song, praise, or heartfelt adoration as we lift our spirits to Him.
Psalm 95:6 says, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."
In Full Assurance of Faith
Hebrews 10:22 instructs us to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."
This means approaching God with confidence, believing that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. This assurance is not based on our own merit, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Similar Cross-References and Supporting Bible Verses:
The theme of drawing near to God, and His responsive drawing near to us, is found throughout the Holy Bible. Here are some other key passages that support this truth:
Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
This verse, while not using the exact phrase "draw nigh," conveys the same principle of active seeking on our part being met with divine revelation and provision.
Psalm 73:28: "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."
Here, King David expresses the inherent goodness and benefit of drawing near to God, linking it to trust and the declaration of God's works.
Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
This verse specifically encourages us to draw near, emphasizing the necessary internal posture of a true heart and full assurance of faith, made possible through Christ's sacrifice.
Psalm 34:18: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
While God is always present, this verse highlights His special nearness to those who are humble and repentant. Our drawing near in humility invites His drawing near in comfort and salvation.
Jeremiah 29:13: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
This promise reinforces the idea that a genuine, wholehearted pursuit of God will be rewarded with His presence.
1 John 4:8: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
While not directly related to the verse "Draw near", this verse illuminates God's fundamental nature, which is LOVE. When we approach Him, we are, by extension, drawing near to the very essence of love. Our desire for a relationship with God should be rooted in His inherently loving character.
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
This illustrates God's initiative in seeking us, but it also shows His respectful waiting for our response to open the door, allowing Him to draw near to us in intimate fellowship.
Are you opening the door when He knocks?
Summary
In essence, God expects us to come into His presence with clean hands, a humble and repentant spirit, trusting in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and actively seeking Him through prayer, His Word, obedience, and worship.
He requires holiness, being free from sin (repentance), sincerity, a desire for genuine relationship, and a willingness to be transformed by His grace. As we take these intentional steps towards Him, He faithfully fulfills His promise to "draw nigh to you."
Prayer
Dear Father,
My heart cries out to You this day, for I long to draw near to Your presence. You are the God who promises, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you," and I cling to that sacred word, knowing Your faithfulness.
I confess that often, my heart is prone to wander, my mind to distraction. Please forgive me, Father, for the times I have distanced myself through busyness, doubt, or sin. Please cleanse my hands, purify my heart, and make me whole in Your sight, not by my own merit, but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for making the way, through His sacrifice, for me to boldly enter Your holiest place.
I desire to come before You with a true heart, full of faith and sincere repentance. Help me to lay down every burden, every worry, and every selfish ambition at Your feet. Soften my spirit, break down any pride, and grant me a humble heart, knowing that You are ever near to those who seek You in humility.
Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and with a burning desire to know You more intimately. Guide my steps as I seek You in prayer, opening my heart to You in honest conversation. Illuminate Your Word to me, O God, that it may be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, revealing Your character and Your will. Empower me to walk in obedience to Your commands, for I know that true love for You is expressed through living according to Your ways.
May my life be a continuous act of worship and adoration, for You alone are worthy of all praise. I choose to trust in Your goodness, Your wisdom, and Your unfailing love. As I intentionally draw near to You, by Your grace, I pray that I may feel Your drawing near to me in a profound and tangible way. Please fill me with Your peace, strengthen me with Your presence, and transform me into the likeness of Your Son.
Thank You, loving God, for Your relentless pursuit of my heart, for Your open arms, and for the promise that as I seek You with all my heart, I will surely find You.
In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen 🙏