CURRENT THEME: Closer to God

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

At the beginning of 2015, I asked the listeners during my radio show to share some of their New Year's resolutions via our SMS line in studio. The majority of listeners, apart from wanting to live a healthier life, had the desire to build a closer relationship with God this year. It made me think. How do you do it? How do you grow closer to God? How do you experience His presence more tangible in your life? And how can you be sure that it is indeed He who leads you in making important decisions? This is my theme for February.

I noticed that one of the popular passages believers usually quote as an encouragement when someone shares their desire to grow closer to God, comes from James 4:8a: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This is true. However, when last have you read the second part of that verse? “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4: 8b).

The second part of this verse is key to experiencing the first part. Why? Because none of us can ever grow closer to God and discern his voice in our lives if we deliberately stay in sin. Why? Because God is holy and we need to be striving for holiness in order to stand with confidence in his presence. Sin robs us from our confidence to come into His presence.

Does that mean we have to be perfect before we can go to God? Of course not. We have all sinned. This is precisely why Jesus died for us on the cross. Yet, with a desire to become more holy, the Holy Spirit also starts a process in our lives where sin, which causes the blockages in our relationship with God, gets removed as our confidence to stand in God’s presence is restored.

What is blocking the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life today? An extramarital relationship, a shady financial transaction, a short temper, worry, a love for gossip, bitterness, an unforgiving heart, an addiction, a lack of time management? When last did you take these things to God and asked Him to set you free?

Remember, God's desire for a relationship with you is even greater than yours. That is the reason why He created each of us. Let’s therefore draw close to Him today with the knowledge that His hand is already stretched out towards us. Will you take it? God bless.

Father God, thank you that I can speak with you today. I specifically bring (name what causes the blockage in your relationship with God) to You. Strengthen me through your Holy Spirit so I can experience You more tangibly in my life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.