James 4

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (v1). James tells us that our unregulated, out of control “passions” and desires lead us to harm ourselves and each other. We are greedy for things and desperate to control the future (v13), and the result is bullying, manipulating, and even worse – lying and violence. Yet, “you do not have because you do not ask” (v2). Instead, God invites us to humble ourselves and take our needs directly to Him.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (v8). Chasing shallow dreams and desires leaves us empty, but God truly satisfies our hearts.