Message #14 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series "Confession"

by Kaye Johns

What do you think James meant when he wrote, "when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you."? [James 4:8] Isn’t God, through His Holy Spirit, already in us? Yes, but He doesn’t push Himself on us at any time in our Christian walk. He waits for us and then responds, and reveals more and more of Himself over time.

But there are conditions. Scripture also teaches that sin separates us from God. We’re told not to grieve nor quench His spirit through unconfessed sin or disobedience. That’s why James continues in this passage -- "Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and sincere grief." [James 4:8-9, TLB] James is describing the brokenness of a heart that loves God, yet finds itself enmeshed in sin, the brokenness that comes through confession, and the realization we’ve missed the mark where it matters most -- separating ourselves from our God.

But there’s more. James continues: "Then when you realize your worthlessness before the Lord, he will lift you up, encourage and help you." [James 4:10] Worthlessness, not as God perceives us; we’re so valuable to Him that Jesus died for us. It’s our realization of our worthlessness. We must in brokenness come to the end of self. Our ability, our effort, our will is never sufficient to overcome sin in our lives. But He is. And in our brokenness, He will lift us up, encourage us and help us.

Pray with me now -- Lord, help us come to the end of ourselves, that You might live in us as You desire. Help us to defeat sin in our lives in Your strength. Amen.

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