What does it mean to be humble in our relationship with God?
There are three things that the apostle James mentions that can help us: submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God.
- SUBMIT TO GOD
Submitting to God means coming under His authority. Rather than living according to our own desires and ways, we should submit those things to God and live according to His desires and standards.
In order to truly submit to God, we must first recognize that His ways are better than ours, and He knows better than we do. We must also believe that He has our best intentions in mind. He cares for us.
- RESIST THE DEVIL
The devil desires to keep us from our relationship with God and cause us to stray from Him. When we resist him with God’s strength, he will flee from us.
- DRAW NEAR TO GOD
The best way to submit to God and resist the devil is to draw close to God in our relationship with Him. Not only does He promise to stay close to us, but He will also give us the strength and grace to endure every trial.
Take a moment to think about your own life. Are there parts of your life or plans that you haven’t yet surrendered to God? Every day is a new opportunity to submit ourselves to God and to draw near to Him.
... Read moreOne of the most impactful ways I've found to deepen my spiritual walk is by actively practicing the principles in James 4:7—submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God. Submission goes beyond just acknowledgment; it's about consciously choosing to align daily decisions with God's will rather than personal desires. This shift in mindset doesn't happen overnight but becomes easier as we cultivate trust that God's plans are truly for our good.
Resisting the devil is often misunderstood as a singular act, but in reality, it requires continual vigilance and reliance on God's strength. I've noticed that moments of weakness or temptation become more manageable when I intentionally turn to prayer and scripture, recalling that resistance causes the enemy to flee. This scriptural grounding acts as a shield and helps me stand firm when challenges arise.
Drawing near to God is both a comfort and a source of empowerment. Practicing daily habits like reading the Bible, meditating on His promises, and engaging in honest prayer fosters a deeper intimacy with God. This closeness replenishes my soul and equips me to face life's hardships with grace. In times of doubt or struggle, simply remembering that God promises to be near helps me persevere.
Reflecting personally, surrendering areas of life—whether personal ambitions, relationships, or worries—has transformed my peace and joy. Each day offers a new opportunity to release control and invite God’s guidance. If you’re wondering about parts you haven’t surrendered yet, consider starting with small daily acts of humility and trust. The promise that God is near to all who call on Him assures us that no effort to draw closer is in vain.
These practical experiences affirm that humility isn’t a passive state but a dynamic relationship with God, empowered by submission, resistance to evil influences, and close communion with the Divine. Embracing James 4:7 has been a daily surrender that brings lasting spiritual growth and renewed hope.