God Yearns for Us

“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’?” – James 4:5-6 NKJV

According to a recent poll, 92% of Americans claimed that they believe in God. But there are vast differences in their attitude toward Him. Many confess that they just know about Him, but really don’t know Him. And many aren’t certain if He really cares.

But the Bible gives us a completely different picture. Here we see that God “yearns jealously” for us. Think about what this means! God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, has a passionate concern for our lives. In fact, His Spirit dwells in us. And He is ready to bless us, meet our needs, and answer our prayers.

Yet few people, even few Believers, really experience these vast blessings. Why? James wrote that we often spend our time and energy on the wrong things. We have the wrong priorities. Our lives become consumed with “desires for pleasure.” We actually go to war with ourselves. Driven by the wrong desires, we focus on the temporary things of this world, taking our eyes off the eternal blessings of God. And, when we ask Him for His blessings, so often we “do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

The Bible warns that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” This means that we need to cultivate our relationship with Him. To seek Him first. Not just to know about Him but to know Him.

In your life, seek that more intimate relationship. Remember that He yearns for you. He longs to teach you new truths, answer your prayers, and bless you in new ways. Don’t let distractions keep you from the great things God has prepared for you.

Prayer: Father, thank You that Your Spirit is yearning within me. I long to spend time with You. Forgive me for having wrong motives. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.