Beautiful Word Devotional #242

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

James 4:7–8

James listed three actions in these highly packed verses: submit, resist, and come near.

To submit to God means to recognize that you are not in control of this world or even of your own world. But God is: your all-wise, all-loving God is in perfect control. And he knows what is best, so you can choose to give the reins of your life over to him.

To resist the devil is to remind yourself of God’s Word, like Jesus did in the wilderness when he was tempted (see Matthew 4). When the devil throws lies your way, respond with the truth of Scripture and choose to live according to that truth.

To come near to God means that you make time to connect with him, asking for his help, insight, and strength. When you do that, he will bless you with his presence.

Lord, I choose today to submit to you, resist sin, and come near to you. I’m grateful for your presence in my life, amen.