Draw Close to God, part 2

Another promise is revealed in James 4. Starting at verse 9 - 10, it says, "Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor."

We live in an age where everyone blames everyone else for the bad things that happen to us and have neglected to take responsibility for our own actions. How sad is that? We are constantly pointing the finger at someone else instead of owning up to our own sin. James, who was said to be the brother of Jesus, speaks so clearly on owning up to our wrong behavior. Instead of laughing because we got away with it, we should be sad and in deep grief.

I know when I had a difficult time in my life, I became so numb to my pain that I didn't feel the Holy Spirit grieving my heart because of the wrong things I had done. I didn't blame anyone else, but I became numb. I wasn't laughing and joyful, but I was numb. Since then, I have shed many tears for the wrong things.

I look at my daughter, Emily, who is so tender to the Lord. When she blows it, it is only hours before she busts into tears and comes to apologize to me for her attitude. She is an example of what this scripture is talking about.

Once again, the promise comes after our obedience. When we are willing to take responsibility for our sins, and bow down before Him, the promise is that "He will lift you up and give you honor."