James 4:7-8(NKJV)
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
God promises if we come close to Him that He will come close to us. He wants us to submit to Him knowing that in Him there is safety. He wants us to resist the temptations from the devil in order for him run away. We have to cleanse our hands from wrong doing, wash our hearts of wrong motives, and renew our mind by knowing the truth of His Word. This comes by repentance, prayer, and the Word. This is how we come close and press into Him. When we sin it takes us further from Him and the devil will cause shame and condemnation to keep us out of the safety of God’s presence. God wants us to repent. If we come to Him seeking forgiveness, turning away from our sins, then He will surely forgive and deliver us from our troubles. God doesn’t want us to worry about what’s next. He only wants us to follow Him. We need to move when He moves. He will provide for every need and give us instructions along the way. We must know His presence! Come closer to Him today. Read His Word. Pray. Ask Him to show you in your heart what he wants to perfect. Wait for His response (He will show you in many different ways). Submit yourself to Him. Thank Him. Praise Him. Press into Him. There is no condemnation in Him. He will correct us and love us unconditionally. We need only to confess (be real with ourselves and Him) our flaws and he will forgive and perfect them. God doesn’t want to punish us, He wants to reward us. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him if we believe by faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6). Everything we need is in His presence. What do you need today?
Father, we thank You that You are a good Father. Forgive us for running away from You out of fear, doubt, and shame. Draw close to us as we draw close to You. Show us how to live in Your presence. We want to feel when You move and go with You. Thank You for having everything that we need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!