James gives insights into the impact our will has in determining our spiritual health. For instance, if we simply choose to submit to God and “resist” the devil, he will flee from us. If we ask God willfully for things that are outside His will, things that we want for selfish reasons for our own pleasures, we may not receive them.

However, willful actions such as drawing near to God, humbling ourselves, showing contrition and cleansing our hearts and hands, these will gain God’s positive action in our lives.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, work within us to both will and do YOUR good pleasure. We relinquish our will to Yours, just like Christ Jesus did.

DAILY READING: James 4,5