What practical steps can we take to ensure God "will return to you"? Foundation Verse “Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. (Malachi 3:7) Why God Seems Distant • Continued sin hardens the heart (Isaiah 59:2). • Neglect of worship and obedience quenches fellowship (1 John 1:6). • Misplaced trust in self or culture replaces reliance on God (Jeremiah 2:13). Step 1 — Turn Around in Repentance • Acknowledge specific sins the Spirit brings to mind. • Confess them plainly: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Abandon the practice, not merely the feeling, of sin (Proverbs 28:13). Step 2 — Submit to God’s Word • Read Scripture daily; let it correct and train you (2 Timothy 3:16). • Accept every command as binding, not optional. • Replace old habits with Scriptural obedience: – Bitterness → forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32) – Worry → prayerful thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7) Step 3 — Draw Near in Prayer and Worship • Schedule unhurried, private time with the Lord (Mark 1:35). • Praise before petition; He inhabits praise (Psalm 22:3). • Pray God’s own promises back to Him (Isaiah 62:6-7). • Gather with other believers; He is present among two or three (Matthew 18:20). Step 4 — Honor God with Your Resources • Malachi’s immediate context highlights withholding tithes (Malachi 3:8-10). • Give first, not last; generosity signals trust (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Steward time, talents, and possessions as belonging to Him (1 Corinthians 4:2). Step 5 — Cultivate Ongoing Purity • Guard eyes and ears (Psalm 101:3). • Choose companions who push you toward holiness (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Fast periodically to reset appetites under Christ’s lordship (Matthew 6:16-18). Step 6 — Serve Others Intentionally • Love expressed through service keeps hearts soft (Galatians 5:13). • Identify one tangible need each week and meet it. • Share the gospel; nothing draws God’s presence like participating in His mission (Matthew 28:19-20). Step 7 — Persevere in Hope • Expect God to respond: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • Stand on covenant faithfulness, not feelings (Hebrews 10:23). • Recall past deliverances to fuel present trust (Psalm 77:11-12). The Promise Secured When we return through repentance, obedience, worship, stewardship, purity, service, and steadfast hope, the Lord unfailingly “will return to you.” His nearness is guaranteed by His unchanging character (Numbers 23:19). |
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