(James 4:8) Draw near to God, and he will come near to you.

What a wonderful promise!

This promise reveals the assurance of a guaranteed relational movement between God and us. This is a promise that is possible at any time and at any place; it is certainly not restricted to attending a church building.

This dynamic relational movement can happen in our kitchens or in the mountains, the location does not matter to God. This promise is for every person—no matter who we are in life or what we’ve done in our past.

This relational promise begins with us drawing near to God.

How do we do that?

Be assured, you do not have to do a bunch of religious rituals, because drawing near to God is all about the attitude (spirit) of our hearts, the condition of our inner lives.

We draw near to God when we are thirsty for the living water that only God can give.

We draw near to God when we have a deep inner desire to commune with God.

I’m not talking about knowing more about God, but literally having an inner passion to know God relationally and personally and intimately. 

We draw near to God when we humble our hearts.

We draw near to God in prayer when we throw away all our pride and bow our hearts in authenticity and openness to God, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

In response to the attitude and desires of our hearts, the Holy Spirit—God’s relational presence—will come near to us.

How does this happen?

There is no static pattern, for the Holy Spirit can come to us in a variety of dynamic ways. The Spirit of God can move within us or come upon us. He can give us peace or bring healing. He can be like soothing water or purifying fire.

In the end, God’s intimate presence is an experiential mystery, but it is always for our good. Remember, God can never be put in a box, for he is totally free in love.

The transcendent holy and almighty God coming to us, visiting us heart to heart.

This promise is for you!