Draw Closer...

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and [God] will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:7-10 (ESV)

I remember when my baby brother come home from the hospital. I was so fascinated with him! I could not stop touching his hands and feet. I wanted to be close to him. I seem to recall, however, that my constant poking was not always appreciated. As babies often do, he would squirm and pull his hands away. I had to learn how to balance my desire for closeness with his need for space. This is a lifelong lesson many of us have had to acquire. Our desires for closeness are not always returned in our earthly relationships.

Nevertheless, the promise for us today from James is that whenever we draw near to God, Jehovah always reciprocates. Lent is a season for nearness to Christ. We need to come close. We need to repent, purify our hands and hearts, and humble ourselves. We are not worthy of what Christ has done for us. As we journey toward the cross, let’s not lag or be distant. Decide to turn to Christ and be close. By doing so, we will not only get a better view of our Savior, but also, a better view of ourselves.

Loving and praying for you,
Pastor Danielle