07.07.2025
In Harmony with God’s Thinking
Draw Near to God – and Discover How Your Life Changes
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Bible Text
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
— James 4:8
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Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to truly live in harmony with God? Not just on Sabbath or when you open the Bible, but in your everyday life – at school, with friends, in your decisions.
James 4:8 says:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
(James 4:8)
It sounds so simple – but what does it really mean? How can you draw near to an invisible God? And what does it mean to align with His thinking, His nature, and His view of the world?
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Devotional
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are higher than our ways (see Isaiah 55:8–9). But the amazing thing is: He invites us to come closer, to get to know Him, and even to live in alignment with His thinking.
Ellen White writes:
“As we commune with Christ, our thoughts are brought into harmony with His. Our hearts are cleansed, and our will is merged with the will of God.”
— Steps to Christ, Chapter 8
This is not a dry religion, not a “must.” It is an invitation to a real, deep friendship. God desires that you come closer to Him – with your questions, doubts, joys, and failures. And the closer you come, the more you’ll begin to think, see, and love like Him.
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Story – One Step Is Enough
Let’s talk about Ana – a 16-year-old girl who constantly felt under pressure. At school, she had to be the best. On social media, she wanted to please. At home, she had to be the “Perfect Christian” because that’s what everyone expected. But inside, she felt empty. She prayed, but it felt shallow. She knew Bible verses, but they no longer touched her heart.
One day, sitting alone in her room, she read James 4:8:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
It was like a ray of light in her heart. She put down her phone, took some time – honest, real time – and simply said:
“God, I don’t know how to come close to You – but I want to.”
From then on, a journey began. Not an overnight miracle. But small steps: quiet moments, honest prayers, decisions where she asked, “What does God think about this?”
And over time, her perspective changed.
She learned to see herself through God’s eyes – loved, accepted, valuable. Not perfect. But connected to a perfect God.
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Thoughts – What Does This Mean for You?
Draw near to God – that means: take a step. No matter how small. It’s not about religious performance, but about a heart relationship.
He will draw near to you – that’s a promise. God will not stay distant when you open up to Him.
To live in harmony with God’s thinking means:
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To choose love over hate
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Forgiveness over revenge
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Hope over fear
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Truth over lies
It’s a new way of thinking – not from yourself, but because God’s Spirit transforms you.
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Reflections for Today
Imagine this: what if today you asked in every decision:
“What does God think about this?”
Practically: Take 10 minutes today just for God. No phone, no music. Just you, your heart, and Him.
Challenge: Talk to someone this week about what it means to draw near to God. It might change a conversation in a powerful way.
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Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to draw near to You.
I don’t just want to know about You – I want to live with You.
I know I often place my own thinking above Yours.
Please forgive me.
Change my heart, change my thoughts.
Show me what it means to live in harmony with You.
I want to see like You, love like You, act like You.
Thank You for coming near to me.
Amen.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/07-07-25-in-harmony-with-gods-thinking-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
