DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: James 4:8
Supporting Texts: Psalm 145:18, Hebrews 10:22, Isaiah 55:6
INTRODUCTION:
Drawing close to God is one of the most important pursuits of the Christian faith. It is a relationship-building process that requires our sincere desire, devotion, and commitment. God desires to be close to us, but He calls us to take active steps in seeking Him. As we draw near to God, we experience His presence, His peace, and His power in our lives. This message will explore the ways we can draw closer to God and the benefits of this intimate relationship.
1. SEEK GOD WITH A SINCERE HEART
a) Wholehearted Commitment
Drawing close to God requires us to seek Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). It is not a half-hearted pursuit but a deep desire to know Him.
b) Purity of Heart
Purity is essential in our relationship with God. To draw near, we must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts (James 4:8).
c) Consistency in Prayer
Prayer is one of the primary ways we communicate with God. When we pray consistently, we open our hearts to His presence (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
d) Studying the Word
We draw near to God by studying and meditating on His Word. The Bible reveals God’s character and His will for our lives (Psalm 119:105).
Biblical Example:
David was a man after God’s own heart because he sought God sincerely, even in times of failure (Psalm 27:4)
2. OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMANDS
a) Obedience Brings Intimacy
Obeying God’s commands is a sign of our love and reverence for Him. Jesus said that those who love Him will obey His commands (John 14:15).
b) Living a Righteous Life
Righteousness is walking according to God’s ways. A life of holiness draws us closer to God, for sin separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2).
c) Sacrifice of Self-Will
Drawing close to God involves sacrificing our own desires for His will, just as Jesus surrendered in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).
d) Trusting in God's Plan
Trust is essential in our relationship with God. When we trust His plan and obey His direction, we draw closer to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Biblical Example:
Abraham’s obedience to God, even in the sacrifice of Isaac, showed his deep trust and closeness to God (Genesis 22:1-12).
3. PRACTICE HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE
a) Humility Before God
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. To draw near to God, we must come in humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him (James 4:6).
b) Repentance of Sin
Sin creates a barrier between us and God. Repentance clears that barrier, allowing us to approach Him with a clean heart (1 John 1:9).
c) Confession and Forgiveness
Confession of our sins to God and receiving His forgiveness restores our relationship with Him (Psalm 51:10-12).
d) Relying on God's Grace
We cannot draw near to God in our own strength. We must rely on His grace to help us live righteously and draw close (Hebrews 4:16).
Biblical Example:
The prodigal son humbled himself and repented, and his father received him back with love (Luke 15:18-24).
4. DESIRE GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS
a) Prioritising God in Your Life
Drawing close to God requires putting Him first in all things. We must love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
b) Desiring God’s Presence
Just as the psalmist longed for God’s presence, we should cultivate a deep desire to be in God’s presence daily (Psalm 42:1-2).
c) Making Time for God
To develop intimacy with God, we must make time for Him through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word (Psalm 63:1).
d) Seek Him with Fervency
God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Our pursuit of God must be passionate and persistent (Hebrews 11:6).
Biblical Example:
Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, chose to focus on God above all distractions (Luke 10:39-42).
5. BENEFITS OF DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD
a) Experiencing God's Presence
When we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us, allowing us to experience His peace and joy (James 4:8).
b) Guidance and Direction
Those who walk closely with God receive His guidance in their lives, knowing the path they should take (Psalm 32:8).
c) Strength in Times of Trouble
Drawing near to God gives us strength and comfort in difficult times, for we are assured of His presence (Psalm 46:1).
d) Divine Favour and Blessing
God blesses those who seek Him earnestly, pouring out His favour and blessings on their lives (Psalm 5:12).
Biblical Example:
Enoch walked closely with God and was taken up by God because of his deep relationship with Him (Genesis 5:24).
CONCLUSION:
Drawing close to God is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of seeking Him with all our heart. As we humble ourselves, live in obedience, and desire His presence above all things, we will experience His nearness, guidance, and abundant blessings. Let us make it our daily goal to draw closer to God in every area of our lives.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to seek You with all my heart and draw near to You.
2. Father, purify my heart and cleanse me from all sin that separates me from You.
3. Lord, give me the grace to walk in obedience to Your Word.
4. Father, let my heart be filled with a deep desire for Your presence.
5. Lord, draw me closer to You and reveal Yourself to me in a deeper way.
6. Father, strengthen my prayer life and give me a hunger for Your Word.
7. Lord, remove every distraction that keeps me from drawing near to You.
8. Father, let me experience Your peace and joy as I draw closer to You.
9. Lord, guide my steps and lead me in the path of righteousness.
10. Father, let Your favour rest upon me as I seek to walk closely with You.
