To Draw Near ...

Submit yourselves to God…(James 4:7a)

The word submit is the Greek word upotasso (hoop-ot-as'-so) which is a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". 1. To submit to one's control 2. To yield to one's admonition or advice 3.To obey, be subject

Simply put I need to submit my mind to the truth of God. I need to submit my will to the will of His word. I need to arrange the whole of my life under the command of His Word rather than live according to my way or my viewpoint. It is a process of surrendering my will to the will of my Father.

I find that this is a very slow and painful process in my life. There are days I wonder if I am ever going to consistently do things God's way instead of reverting back to my own way of thinking. It’s so easy to make plans without seeking God first, after all it’s not like I’m living a sinful life. I do try to make good choices, but often they are my choices, my decisions, my will. I think that I need to be in control, but the more I grow in my faith the more I realize that when I take control I actually end up losing control. Submitting to God’s control is always a better choice.

Oh Father please rid my heart and life from the sin of PRIDE!

If I want to draw near to God , which I do, then I musthumble myself and surrender to the authority of my Father.

I need to have a humble and submissive heart.

I need to daily choose to submit myself to God. I need to remember that it is the Holy Spirit’s work that "conform us to the image of Christ" and God will use the situations of my life to bring me the opportunity to submit to him (Romans 8:28-29). God knows what is best for me. The blessings and peace that I will gain from humbly surrendering and submitting myself to Him daily are a precious gift of grace.

Oh Father I do desire to be totally and completely abandoned to You. To your will and your desires. Help me Father for my heart is evil and the sin of pride so often rears it's ugly head. Forgive me Father for thinking myself higher than I ought. Forgive me for those times that I seek to take your rightful place on the throne of my heart! Help me to draw near to You Lord. Continue revealing those areas in my heart that would keep me from drawing near to You.