James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

If we were drawing up a bucket from a well, we wouldn’t just pull one time. We have to keep pulling until the bucket is raised all the way to the top. In the same way, drawing nigh to God is a continuous motion, not a one-time thing, and we can draw nigh to God in place, time and relationship.

First, we can draw nigh to God in the right place. God is not found in worldly pleasures or even in empty religion or rituals or works. If we’re saved, God is in our hearts. He is in His Word and in prayer. To draw nigh to God, we have to go to the right place. If we wanted to buy a car, we wouldn’t go to a grocery store. If we wanted to buy food, we wouldn’t go to a car dealership. So, if we want to draw nearer to God, we must look to His Word. There is much to learn about Him and how He wants us to relate to Him. We can go to church. That’s His house, and He is always glad to meet with us in a special way when we seek Him there. We can also go to Him in prayer and listen for His voice. He will speak to a listening heart.

We can draw nigh to God in time. It seems almost everyone nowadays has a cellphone. What was a nice convenience 10 short years ago has practically become a necessity for some people. Almost everywhere we go, someone is walking around talking on the phone. We are in constant communication with everyone we know, it seems. With God, we’ve always been able to come to Him anytime. There is no bad time to talk with Him about problems, burdens, or even joys, praises and thanks. There is no waiting for an appointment. And though the entire world were praying at the exact same time, there is no busy signal. God is able to give each of us His full attention whenever we talk with Him. So let’s hang up our phones and instead pray without ceasing. It is always the right time to draw nigh.

Finally, we can draw nigh to God in relationship. Like any relationship, we have to work on our relationship with God. Nowadays, people have long-distance relationships or online friendships where there is a significant distance. But what a difference there is being with that person in the same place. The same is true with God. Let’s come to the same place and meet with Him up close and personal. For relationships to be successful and enjoyable, we must get to know each other, and God already knows everything about us. So we must make an effort to get to know God.

We take one step, and it feels so small. The gap between us and God may appear wide. But what a comfort that as we continue in our efforts to draw closer to Him, God closes the gap with one of His big steps as He, too, draws nigh to us. There is no need to wait; we can come to God anytime. If we seek Him, He will be found because He desires a close relationship with us.