Beyond Drawing Close: What Real Intimacy with God Requires

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7-8

Being close to God has been on my heart lately. There are a number of things in my life which I am seeking the Lord on for wisdom, understanding, what should I do, how should I feel, sometimes just needing comfort or encouragement. The scripture from James 4 comes to mind, “Come close to God and He will come near to you.” As I explored this scripture, I noticed how James really has a lot to say about relationship in this chapter. Being close to God goes beyond just trying to draw close to him. James is tough love in this chapter as he examines the reasons why we struggle with relationship, not only with others but with God as well. 

Our ability to be close with God goes beyond just drawing close to him. Real relationship, real closeness, walking in tandem with others requires the following:

• Laying down our selfish ambitions and greed

• Submission

• Humility

• Judgement

• Laying our future and plans down

If we want to be really close to God, these require us to work with Him to empower us to do these things. Real intimacy, real relationship, real connection will occur. 

I think it’s worth it. 

-Rich Meyers