What is one thing you want right now?  A million dollars?  A new home? A new career?    A restored relationship?  Happiness? Good health?  The desire to take care of yourself?  To draw nearer to God?  

           “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8 NIV)

           What does it mean to draw near to God?  It means to pursue a deeper relationship with God.  To talk to Him regularly.  To read the Word, listen to Christian music, meditate, give thanks and praise His name daily—throughout the day.  It takes a commitment, a desire, a want.  It means aligning your thoughts, actions, and words with God’s will.  

           Drawing near to God completely transforms your inner life, offering deep emotional and spiritual benefits that you cannot find anywhere else.  Because our true identity and purpose is found in God.

When you draw near to God, He draws near to you.  You trade your wants and worries, for His peace and hope.  You learn to rest in the Lord.  You receive strength, wisdom, and joy.  Your wants become God’s wants and desires.  Because as you draw near to God it shifts your attention and heart from worldly distractions toward God’s presence.  

When this occurs, you think, want, and act differently, because closeness to God fundamentally alters your inner nature.  You become God-centered—NOT self-centered.  It is a shift we probably all need to make!  God Bless.  Amen.

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denise