In the midst of turmoil, Jeremiah shared this word from the Lord with the conquered and downtrodden citizens of Jerusalem: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 

600 years later, also from Jerusalem, James wrote this promise to followers of Jesus enduring hardships and persecutions: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Add another 2,000 years and the promises still apply. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to us.

How do we draw near?

James yields some clues. Humble ourselves and submit to the Lord. Turn from the sins we indulge, and allow God access to others we push to the deeper recesses of our consciousness. Resist the devil. Stop slandering one another. Pursue a single-minded devotion.

Humility carves a path for drawing near to God. I know myself. I’m not humble, and I cannot will-power my way into such changes. I must urge the Holy Spirit to empower me toward humility. The payoff is unparalleled. A future, a hope, and a life lived experiencing the Lord. Lord, create in me a humble core, and allow me to enjoy your presence as you draw near.

Jeremiah 29:11-13; James 4:8

Photo by Francesco Ungaro