DRAW NEAR

TITLE: Week 4

WEEK OF: January 18, 2026

What's Up?

  • Give us an update on your life right now - what’s something that happened this past week, or is soon to happen in your life? And how are you feeling about it?

This Week's Conversation

This week, we continue our conversation on the book of James. James 4 speaks right into the chaos of adult life—busy schedules, strained relationships, internal pressure, and that constant feeling of being pulled in too many directions. James says the issue isn’t just “out there” with other people or circumstances, but “in here,” a war within our own desires. When those desires go unchecked, they spill into conflict, comparison, frustration, and distance from God. Instead of shaming us, James offers an invitation: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Growth doesn’t come from trying harder or fixing everything—it comes from getting closer. The tension is this: if God really is as close as we choose Him to be, what might it say about our lives if we feel distant right now? 

KEY VERSES:

Let’s turn to a couple passages of scripture to get started. Let’s have someone in the group read each of these:
Read James 4:1-8
Read James 1:14-15
  • When life gets busy or stressful, what’s usually the first thing you notice slipping—rest, patience, prayer, joy, routines, etc.?
  • James talks about feeling pulled in different directions. What does that look like in adult life for you—work pressure, family demands, comparison, expectations, or something else?
  • James says many outward conflicts start with a “war within.” When you’re frustrated or tense with people, what inner struggle might be contributing—stress, insecurity, exhaustion, unmet expectations?
  • The message talked about blame being easier than responsibility. What’s a common “go-to blame” for adults today (schedule, spouse, boss, culture, kids, stress), and why do you think it’s so tempting?
  • James says desire comes before temptation. What are some desires that aren’t bad in themselves—but can pull us off track if unchecked (comfort, success, control, approval, escape)?
  • “God is as close as we want Him to be.” What’s one sign that tells you when you’re feeling close to God—or when you’re drifting a bit?
  • Drawing near doesn’t have to be dramatic. What’s one small, realistic step toward God that actually feels doable for you right now (a short prayer, Scripture, slowing down, community, honesty with God)?
Read: James doesn’t call us to perfection—he calls us to proximity. When our lives feel tense, divided, or heavy, God’s response isn’t distance but invitation. Drawing near isn’t about fixing yourself first; it’s about moving toward God as you are. Even small movement bring light. This week, don’t aim for dramatic change—aim for honest direction. One step toward God is enough for Him to meet you there. 

Prayer

Read: Is there anything we can pray together about in regard to our conversation today for you, (or even something unrelated)? 

PRAYER