Draw near to God

Draw near to God

"Draw near to God—and He will draw near to you!" James 4:8

When Joseph's brethren stood at a distance from him as he made himself known to them—he was grieved, and said, "Come near to me." As they came near, he said, "I am Joseph, your brother!"

In the same way, surely God is grieved when His erring children, full of apprehension and fear, stand at a distance from Him. In harmony with the text, we may regard Him as saying to such, "Why do you stand so far off?

Draw near to Me in humble trust—for I am ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy. You who have tasted My grace, you who have proved My forgiving love—do not dishonor Me by hard thoughts and unbelief.

As a father pities his children—so do I pity you. Come, poor wanderer—to your Father's arms! Your transgressions grieve Me—but your distrust grieves Me more. Come near to Me—and I will draw near to you, and show you something more of the tenderness of My mercy and the fullness of My love!"

"Come too, you trembling one, who has never before come near to Me. Think how near to you I have come in the Son of my love, whom I gave for a ransom for sinners. Think of the fountain of His precious blood which I have opened to wash away sin and impurity. Come near to Me—I will receive you graciously, and love you freely."

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