Guiding Scripture: James 4:7-8 (NLT) “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world.”
How to Come Close to God
by contributing writer LaVonda McCullough
Have you ever seemed far away from God and struggled to return to that closeness? There is no one right way to come close to God. What matters is that you make an effort and that you do so in a way that is meaningful to you.
I received terrible news about my health, and it challenged my faith. Instead of coming close to God, I allow the negative voices to pull me in the opposite direction. After months of trying to figure things out on my own and dabbling in all the things “opposite to my faith,” I found myself at a crossroads. I had no energy to resist the thoughts of the enemy.
I knew I had to return to my first love and renew my faith in God.
So I did what was required, and I Humbled myself before God! He is powerful, and I am powerless without Him.
How can you come close to God?
1) Humble Yourself – yield to his authority and will for your life. Commit to following after Him wholeheartedly by reading the Word.
2) Resist the Devil – don’t allow the devil to entice or tempt you. If it’s alcohol, remove it out of space and refuse to go to the bar or with your friends.
3) Wash your hands and purify your hearts – step away from social media; gossip and behavior that distracts you from God’s presence by living a pure life.
4) Let there be sorrow and deep grief for your sin – don’t be afraid to repent of your sinful behavior by accepting God’s forgiveness and walking in freedom.
And finally, have faith he will lift you as you consistently take these steps.
It can be challenging to come by, but it’s worth the effort. Faith is what can help us come close to God. We need to be confident to believe; this faith sustains us when things are tough.
We need faith to nurture and grow, and it’s not always easy to do so. But with God’s help, we can come close to Him and learn to walk in His ways.
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
LaVonda McCullough is the CEO & Founder of Joyful Journey, she is a Biblical Life Coach, Author, Speaker and Co-Pastor specializing in women empowerment. We invite you to connect with LaVonda on Facebook & Instagram. Visit www.lavondamccullough.com for more information.
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