Come near to God

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8 NIV)

Want God to be near to you?

Notice the order of things described in this promise. It tells YOU to come near to God, and then, if you do, He will come near to you!

Many Christians have it backwards!

They spend a lot of time asking God to “come” to “bless” them, and to “hear their prayers,” when He has already made these things, and so much more, freely available to “whosoever” will simply reach out to Him and receive them by faith!

Come boldly 

The Bible says to “come boldly” to God to receive what you need. (Heb. 4:16) Another passage says to “seek Him first” and then, all that you need “will be added to you”. (Matt. 6:33) Notice, in each verse, you are instructed to take the initiative. And, that’s because God has already done His part! Notice that the following passage states that He “has” given us “everything”. 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)

You just need to believe and act with faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:16 ESV)

Therefore

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13 ESV)

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” (Prov. 8:17 ESV)