A beloved New Testament verse is James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Let’s note a few things.

First, it’s a promise. When you come near (or “draw near”) to God, he will come near to you. Not “might,” but “will.”

Second, how do we come near to a God we can’t see? It’s not like he has a street address.

We primarily come near through faith in Christ. We then cultivate that relationship with the practices God himself gives us like…
-prayer
-studying the Scriptures
-worshipping with God’s people every week
-making time to serve or volunteer
-serving the kingdom in your studies or job
-intentionally loving people
-fasting 
-being distinct from the world for God’s purposes (holiness)
-seeking fellowship with other believers
-resting routinely

Are you going to do all of those things every single day? No. But you’ll develop a lifestyle which is increasingly Christ-like and which will include many of these practices.

Matthew Henry makes the following (very honest) observation about this verse: “If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our fault, and not his.”

As you draw near to God, sometimes you will “feel” it, sometimes you won’t. That’s okay. God is not duty-bound to give you the warm fuzzies. 

But as you draw near in Christ, and as you grow in Christlikeness, you will increasingly come to know the power and presence of God who is always faithful.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

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Notes:

–Announcement: If you don’t have a church home and are close to Barrie, Canada, I invite you to our kick-off service and free BBQ this Sunday (September 8)! Comment for details.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.