Draw Near

I spent the afternoon yesterday playing golf with my youngest son on his 22^nd birthday.  At times it’s hard to believe that I have two adult sons.  I taught them to play golf.  They can both hit the ball farther than me and routinely beat me whenever we play.  I don’t mind that.  I enjoy the time I can spend with them, and I find satisfaction in the fact that I taught them to play.

There was a time when they needed my help to do many things.  I helped them get ready for bed at night, get dressed before church, and tied their shoes several times a day.  I carried them on my shoulders when they were tired and we had a long walk ahead.  There were times when I would be on the sofa watching a ball game and they would climb up for me to hold them in my arms and make them feel safe and secure.  Whether they were happy or sad, obedient or disobedient, smelly or freshly bathed, they didn’t hesitate to draw close and feel my acceptance.

James 4:8 tells us we can do that with God.  No matter what we’ve done or what we are going through, he tells us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”  We can draw near to God through confession, prayer, and meditation on his word.  When we draw near to him, he will not turn us away.  Instead, he responds by drawing near to us, just as when I would wrap my arms around my boys when they came to me for comfort and assurance.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.