You’ve tried to get closer to God.
You’ve prayed.
You’ve made space.
You’ve even told yourself,
“I need to be more consistent.”
But sometimes…
it still feels distant.
Like you’re reaching out…
and nothing is really changing.
So what does it actually mean to “draw near” to God?
And what does He do in response?
Because this verse makes a promise.
But it might not work the way you expect.
Let’s see what the Scripture actually says.
READ THE VERSE (KJV)
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
James 4:8 (KJV)
WHAT DOES “DRAW NIGH TO GOD” MEAN?
Drawing near isn’t about distance.
It’s about direction.
God isn’t far away physically.
But your attention can be.
Your focus.
Your priorities.
Think about a relationship.
You can be in the same room…
and still be distant.
Drawing near means turning your attention back.
Intentionally.
The Bible says:
“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”
Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)
So this is active.
Not passive.
Here’s the question.
Are you actually turning toward God…
or just thinking about Him occasionally?
WHAT IS REALLY BEING SAID HERE?
This verse is more personal than it sounds.
Because it connects your movement…
to God’s response.
“Draw nigh… and he will draw nigh…”
That’s a promise.
But there’s tension here.
You might say,
“I tried… and didn’t feel anything.”
That’s where most people get stuck.
Because they expect a feeling first.
But drawing near often starts quietly.
Small choices.
Turning your thoughts.
Being honest.
Letting go of distractions.
The Bible says:
“Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV)
So this isn’t about quick moments.
It’s about intention.
Consistency.
Direction.
CONTEXT CHANGES EVERYTHING
James is speaking to people who are divided inside.
Pulled in different directions.
Trying to hold onto God…
while also holding onto other things.
That’s why he says:
“Purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Double-minded means unstable.
Back and forth.
One moment focused.
The next distracted.
So drawing near isn’t just about doing more.
It’s about choosing one direction.
Not splitting your attention.
7. SECTION: THE CONNECTION MOST PEOPLE MISS
Notice this phrase:
“He will draw nigh to you.”
That connects directly to this:
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him…”
Psalm 145:18 (KJV)
God isn’t hesitant.
He’s responsive.
But the connection is experienced when you turn toward Him.
Not when you stay distracted.
That’s the clarity.
WHERE THIS SHOWS UP IN REAL LIFE (BIBLE STORIES)
Look at the prodigal son.
He didn’t clean everything up first.
He made a decision.
“I will arise and go to my father…”
Luke 15:18 (KJV)
That’s drawing near.
And what happened next?
“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him…”
Luke 15:20 (KJV)
The father moved toward him.
Now look at Moses.
When he turned aside to see the burning bush…
God spoke.
“When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him…”
Exodus 3:4 (KJV)
Notice that.
The turning came first.
Then the encounter.
So let me ask you.
Are you waiting to feel close to God…
or are you actually turning toward Him first?
LET’S BE HONEST
It’s easy to feel distracted.
Pulled in different directions.
Your mind is busy.
Your attention is scattered.
And sometimes you think,
“I’ll focus on God later.”
But later keeps you distant.
And the longer you wait…
the harder it feels to come back.
The Bible says:
“Be still, and know that I am God…”
Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
Stillness doesn’t happen by accident.
You choose it.
WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGES WHEN YOU LIVE THIS
This verse points to a clear shift.
From distance…
to awareness of God’s nearness.
Before this…
you feel disconnected.
Distracted.
Distant.
After this…
you start noticing His presence more.
Your thoughts slow down.
Your focus sharpens.
Your direction becomes clearer.
The shift is this:
from distraction → intentional focus
from distance → nearness you become aware of
from divided attention → settled direction
The Bible says:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…”
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
That’s what happens when your focus changes.
God isn’t playing hide and seek.
He’s not moving away from you.
This verse makes it simple.
You move toward Him…
He responds.
So the real question isn’t,
“Is God near?”
It’s this.
Are you actually turning toward Him?
Sit with that.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
