Daily Devotion — James 4:8–10 — Fully Draw Near to God

And Why Would That Stop You From Coming To Me?

As I was reading one of my favorite series, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, there was a moment within The Prince Caspian that never stood out to me before. After Aslan has been away for hundreds of years, Lucy thinks she sees him, but after her other siblings do not believe her, she also begins to doubt. Later on in the book, she finally regains fellowship with Aslan, and she says,

“I knew it was you the whole time, but the others did not believe.”

Then Aslan gracefully responds with,

“And why would that stop you from coming to me?”

What is Stopping You From Drawing Near to Christ

Those ten words really resonated with me deeply. What in my life would stop me from coming to Christ? What am I placing above Him that is hindering me to fully and uncontrollably run after God? And what do I need to release so that I can devote everything in me to Him? Lucy didn’t come to Aslan because the others didn’t believe. Personally, my pride and sinful heart has caused me to not bring honor to God countless times! So fellow brothers and sisters, what is stopping you from drawing near to God? James 4:8–10 writes, Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Here, James is directing us on how we must act towards our Father! Believer, posture your heart towards Christ, laying aside all sinful desires. Matthew Henry writes,

“The heart that has rebelled must be brought to the foot of God; the spirit that was estranged from a life of communion with God must become acquainted with Him again.”

We must continually humble ourselves, posturing our hearts differently, so that we can approach Him reverently. Don’t let the sin you are holding on too so tightly keep you from coming to God. Draw near to him, humble yourself before Him as you cleanse your hands, and your hearts. Put to death the things that are stopping you from coming to Christ, whether that be the opinions of others, pride, or whatever sin you are grasping onto. Your fears, and sin should not stop you from drawing near.

This devotion originally appeared on Devotable

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