James 4:8  Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Background
James, the half-brother of Jesus, was a leader of the Church in Jerusalem as it was forming after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven.  There were many complexities at the time.  “Following God” had completely changed.  After 1,500 years of The Law (Old Covenant), it was now salvation by grace (New Covenant).  None of the New Testament existed yet.  Persecution by the Jews was severe.  All believers gathered together regardless of factors that lead to divisions today.  They didn’t have television, the Internet, social media or even email seek out answers to questions.

They needed God to answer their questions…  They had the heart, but needed the tools.

In Jeremiah’s time, the leaders of God’s people had become completely “religious” and lost track of the relationship and provision God provides when you trust and follow Him.  It had been a very long time since the nation had been close to God and they lacked understanding of how to actually have a wholesome relationship with God.

They needed God to help find their way again…  They had the tools, but needed the heart.

In both instances, God was calling them.  Both needed to seek their loving and wise Heavenly Father because “people” don’t have the best answers to our problems.

What it meant to the original audience
In James’ time and in Jeremiah’s time, big changes had happened and more big changes were coming.  To handle them well, they really needed to get close to God.

For us today
This world is rapidly changing.  People that live in 1st world Western culture countries are seeing a move away from Biblical values.  Other countries have their own issues such as deep corruption, violence, anti-Christian laws, etc.  Navigating how to be an effective tool of God today requires attitudes and values that often do not come naturally and require daily time with God to keep on track.

God has made it known that our sin nature will be clearly a part of this world starting in the Garden of Eden and continuing until the end of this earth.  That is supposed to help us recognize our dependence should be on Him rather than “self”.  Heaven is coming.  Until then, draw near to Him with all your heart and you find Him drawing near to you.