Draw near to God
God’s word is clear about the fact that He wants his people to draw near to him.
He has given us access to Himself (Hebrews 4:16). Our gaining access to Him gives us the resources we need to strengthen our resolve to change our world for the better, transform our society and make society more just and equitable for all. 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
In the above scripture, God gives His people the formula for changing the world, transforming society as we know it, and improving our lives for the better.
Drawing near requires a change of focus.
God challenges His people to turn from their wicked ways and turn back to him. He confronts them to turn away from false gods, faulty thinking, and evil ways and turn to the true and living God. And in doing so, they would gain his perspective on life.
Likewise, God’s people need to turn from the idols and false gods of faulty thinking and lies and turn to the true and living God and see from His perspective the great need of this “country and its institutions,” “it’s people, and it’s government” for healing and forgiveness of sin.
The people of God need to address the crises of our time, not only “crime and violence,” but also unjust policies and systemic inequities that spawn such problems.
Today, God is challenging His people to rise to the occasion, humble themselves, pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.
Drawing near challenges us to unswerving devotion to God. (James 4:7-10, NKJV) says, “Therefore submit 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. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
To be on the receiving end of God’s blessings requires avoiding double-mindedness at all costs (James 4:8 NKJV). We like to think we can have it both ways; submit to the kingdom of God and dabble in Satan’s kingdom.
Drawing near to God requires more than good thoughts and blind acceptance of God’s grace. One must be engaged in ongoing spiritual warfare, which includes resisting the devil, purifying your hearts, lamenting, mourning, weeping, and humbling oneself before God. This is an intense internal struggle “to master the cravings that are at war within you (James 4:1 NKJV).” What inner attitudes, lusts, and lies do you need to deal with?
Drawing near enables us to see the societal challenges before us (Matthew 9:36-38 NKJV).
As Jesus moved about the villages and towns, He was moved with compassion for people because he saw them as they were. He saw multitudes of people about him unable to help themselves; he had compassion toward them. And he sought to share his insights with his disciples.
Drawing near to God is a life-changing event that not only changes you (Luke 19:8); it changes your perceptions of others, and it challenges you to minister to the pain of others (Matthew 9:35).
Be encouraged!
Rev. Chestine Sims Jr. of White Hall is pastor of Union AME Church at Little Rock.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.