The Mind and the Means to Draw Near to God
The double-minded man is unstable in all His ways (Jas 1:8). This twisted mind is a product of the fall (Gen 3). It is the futility of the godless (Jer 14:14; Eph 4:17), who place their thoughts on the world and the things of the world (1 Jn 2:15–17). Their heart is fixed on self-gratification (Gen 6:5). Simply put, the mind is a battlefield under constant assault.
The natural mind harbors all kinds of enmities against God (Rom 1:18, 30), who deserves our best thoughts and affections. Therefore, David says, “I hate vain thoughts, but I love Thy Law (Psalm 119:113).” Every thought, for the Christian, should be held captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5), for we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
Having meditated on God’s Word, day and night (Ps 1:2), we should be saturated in love for the Lord Jesus (Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37); but a lax moment, caused by any number of distractions, and the mind drifts to vain idols and traditions of men (Col 2:8). We must pray to regain focus on the holy. This is why we must pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), giving thanks in everything (2 Cor 2:14; 1 Thess 5:18). This helps to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is authoring our faith (Heb 12:2).
The Christian sees the Law and loves its righteous standards (Rom 7:12). The Law exposes us as sinners (Rom 3:23; 5:12), vile and wretched. Who can deliver us from the malaise of intruding sin? Jesus is for us, and praying for us (Jn 17; Heb 7:25). We join Him, “Thou art my hiding place, and my shield; I hope in Thy Word (Ps 119:114).”
Jesus is our safe harbor in the storm. He is our city of refuge, when the accuser of the brethren fires his darts. He covers us, but the wrath of men and devils is aligned against us and Him (Eph 6:10–20). He is our Lord Protector and Victor victorious (1 Cor 15:57).
If the Christian perceives the damage caused by his affiliation with evil men, he joins David in saying, “Depart from me you evil doers; for I will keep the commandments of my God (119:115).” You must, as a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), separate yourself from those who lead you into temptation and sin (1 Cor 15:33). In this, we find our sentiment the same as our Lord Jesus, on the Day of Judgment, “Depart from Me, I never knew you (Mt 7:21–23).”
In the hiding place with Christ, which is no asceticism, we become an irritant to the wicked, who are provoked like a cockroach, when the light switch is turned on. Our engagement with the unregenerate must be a call for them to repent (Acts 17:30). There is no compromise with the spirit of this world.
“Be ye separate (Lev 20:25; 2 Cor 6:17),” is not merely an unyoking from unbelievers; it is a yoking union with Christ (Rom 6:1–11). We must live in communion with our God, but the double-mind tries to occupy part of this world, in addition. This cannot be, for love of this world is enmity with God the Father (1 Jn 2:15).
Resolved to be with God, and in His commandments, brings the request, “Uphold me according to Thy Word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope (119:116).” Grace draws us to Christ, and grace meets us, when we flee to Him. Life — new, abundant, and eternal — is at stake.
Jesus is our life (Jn 14:6), but He is our hope, too (Col 1:27). We have trouble in the valley of the shadow of death (Ps 23:4), but Christ is with me and for me (1 Jn 1:3; 2 Jn 1:3). The world laughs at the invisible God and our hearty devotion, but the Christian is not ashamed, even bold in declaring things hidden from those who are perishing (2 Cor 4:3). You must resist the devil, reminding him Who upholds you, and he will flee from you (Jas 4:7).
Peter should have prayed before sinking into the Sea of Galilee, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto Thy statutes, continually (119:117).” We, too, walk in a world offering us immediate danger. So here is a prayer without ceasing. Our path is slippery every day, but our Lord is sure-footed. He speaks truth and directs our steps on the narrow path of righteousness.
The way of self-confidence is utterly dangerous. We must not be high-minded, but fear God (Rom 11:20). We must put no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3), nor trust in the wisdom of this age (Col 2:8). Acknowledge God in all your ways, always, and He shall direct your steps (Prv 3:5–6). Trust in God and trust in Christ.
God’s judgment upon obstinate unbelievers, lovers of sin and haters of truth, is our tutor, “Thou has trodden all them that err from Thy statutes; for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore, I love Thy testimonies (119:118–119).” One’s character is representative of one’s state.
Blessed is the man who discerns God’s judgments, so that He might fear God (Dt 6:2; 8:6; 13:4; Eccl 12:13). He cries aloud to warn others of their untenable plight (e. g. Noah; Lot; John the Baptist; etc.). The deceived counter our labors with further deceit. It is only a matter of time before the dross is separated with fire (Prv 25:4), and the wicked are trampled underfoot. How does the Christian respond?
“My flesh trembles for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy judgments (119:120),” is the proper contemplation of the saint. This is not slavish fear of torment. It is the recognition of the terrible severity of the Lord, in His wrath (Rom 11:22). You must reverence the anger of your heavenly Father against His enemies. The ungodly scoff, and then, they are swept away by the flood, or suffer the rain of fire and brimstone, or agonize with the greatest of grief, as the invading army besieges them with no mercy.
Christian, all that has been shown here is captured in the clause, “Draw near to God (Jas 4:8).” Your mind must be set on the Spirit and things above (Rom 8:6; Col 3:2). Your increasing love for God’s Word will naturally separate you from ungodly liaisons. Your safe passage to eternity will be spent in Christ, your ark and hiding place. Be alert and be sober when you witness the drug lord, the pedophile, the corrupt corporate creep, and the arrogant government leader meet their demise under the mighty hand of God.
With humility — fearing God — walk with Him all day, every day, all the days of your life. Remind Him of His promises to you, and He will delight to show you more of them from His Word. Finally, be reminded that your walk is one of faith (2 Cor 5:7), and this is all grace, as Christ champions all that concerns His beloved bride (Ps 57:2; 138:8). You have the love and assurance of the One who is called, “Faithful and True” (Rev 3:14; 19:11). Draw near to Jesus, today.
David Norczyk
Missoula, Montana
August 11, 2022
