How can I better pant after God as the hart pants after the water brooks?

What must I do in order to get closer to God?

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).

The first of the verse leaves me with the idea that God matches my movements. When I step toward Him, He also steps toward me. It strikes me just now, though, that His steps are far bigger than mine. When I move toward God, the distance between us narrows immensely because of His matching movement toward me!

So it is imperative that I continue moving toward God, no matter how small my steps may seem to be.

Oh, about specifics? God calls on me to constantly subject my actions (my hands) and my thoughts/affections (my heart) to His cleansing and purifying.

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth” (James 3:4).

I imagine a big sailing ship with its many big sails. To this scene I add a powerful wind, driving this vessel across the ocean. Will the ship go wherever the wind compels it to go?

Only if it doesn’t have a rudder…attached to a helm…firmly held by a strong hand…directed by a purposeful mind.

Now my mind wanders somewhat to wonder — how easily does God steer me?

Do His gentle nudges suffice? Or must He exert greater force?

“…They are governed by a very small helm along the route he who governs them wants” (my translation of Reina-Valera 1960).