James 4:8: Draw Near To God, And He Will Draw Near To You

James 4:8
[8] Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (ESV)

Have you ever considered what a great invitation you have received that you should be able to come and have a relationship with the God of the universe? So often we never take a proper pause to think of the awe and wonder that should appropriately accompany our approach to God. The Psalmist said, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4).

We are invited to draw near to God with the promise that if we do, he will draw near to us. Have you ever considered the right approach to come to God? Do you have to wear special clothing? In the Old Testament the priest would be able to approach God, and there were all kinds of requirements, including what they were to wear.

We do not need special clothing. However, we are given instruction on how we should approach God We are to have clean hands and pure hearts. The Old Testament priests would ceremonially clean their hands. This cleaning of the hands symbolizes a purification of the sins done in our bodies. We must come to the Lord, renouncing sin.

In addition to the clean hands, or renouncing sin, we are to have pure hearts. Now, this is an interesting requirement because we cannot be pure without God cleansing us through Christ. So we must come to him, asking him to purify us so that we can have that intimate relationship with him. Do not try to cleanse yourself. Only Christ's blood is strong enough to cleanse sin.

It is a privilege beyond compare that we can come to God and have relationship. Take it seriously and soberly. Come to him humbly, renouncing sin, and asking for his cleansing your impurity.