Growing closer to God is the greatest desire and blessing every Christian should have. God created us for a relationship with Him, not merely for religious activities. Just as a healthy friendship grows through regular communication and time together, our relationship with God becomes stronger as we intentionally seek Him. This is a deliberate decision which only I as a person can make. There are several things that we need to do to grow closer to our Maker. Here are some:
1. Desire God Above Everything Else
The journey begins with a sincere desire to know God. God can be known, felt and seen in ones life. We were made by a higher power and personality who has dimensions that can be understood by human brains. When we hunger for Him, He reveals Himself to us. He can reveal Himself through nature and our day to day activities but not limited to only those. The Bible states, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 (KJV). This teaches us even Him as the same desire as ours; He wants to come to us on condition, we go to Him.
Ask God to give you a heart that longs for Him more than the pleasures and distractions of the world.
2. Pray Every Day and Every Time
Prayer is talking with God. It does not have to be long or complicated. Speak to Him as your loving Father. Thank Him, confess your sins, present your needs, and pray for others. Short prayer like “Help me God to love you and seek you” is a great prayer. Call him in small and big situations. You will see how He will answer. The essence here is trusting Him and commiting to Him.
Jesus Himself spent time in prayer because He valued fellowship with the Father. The Bible tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
3. Read the Bible Daily
The Bible is God’s Word. Through it, God teaches, corrects, encourages, and guides us. Even reading a few verses each day can strengthen your faith. You can narrow it tithe verse of the day. This can go a long way in strengthening your faith and opening your eyes to what God intends in your life and destiny. He says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Read with the expectation that God will speak to your heart. Feel the connection thereof in your daily activities. Ponder on the same as you do your daily chores. You will realize a great connection with the spiritual part of the world.
4. Obey What God Says
Knowing God’s Word is not enough. We must also obey it. Every act of obedience brings us into a closer walk with Him. Any word given always gives a direction in ones life and endeavors.
Jesus told those who followed him that, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (KJV). You have no idea what this it brings in the life of a person until you start obeying it. This is where the rubber meets the road. Obedience is one of the clearest signs of genuine love for God. It opens blessings into the life of a believer.
5. Live a Holy Life
Immediately after starting believing and following the Word with obedience, sin becomes darkness that is chased away by the light of the word. Sin is a great wrecker of faith and weakens our fellowship with God. Whenever you fail, confess your sins and receive God’s forgiveness. He says to us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)
A life of repentance keeps your relationship with God healthy. The more we exercise control over sin, the better we become in our spiritual journey and bring meaning into a godly life we lives.
6. Worship God Regularly
Worship is more than singing. It is honoring God with your heart, words, and actions. Spend time praising Him for His goodness, faithfulness, and love.
God delights in those who worship Him sincerely. Jesus says a time is coming when true worshippers will do it in truth. Honour God for He deserves the honour and one of the ways to do this is to do His will.
7. Fellowship with Other Believers
God did not intend Christians to walk alone. Meeting with other believers encourages our faith, provides accountability, and helps us grow spiritually. The word of God states, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…“ — Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
Join a Bible-believing church where God’s Word is faithfully taught. Àlso remember, without fellowship with other believers you become vulnerable to many setbacks in your faith building.
8. Trust God in Every Situation
Growing closer to God means learning to trust Him in both good and difficult times. Even when you do not understand His plans, remember that He is always working for your good. Trusting God tells us that we are insufficient in many ways and His leading can make us succeed whether in difficult situations or otherwise. He tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Conclusion
Growing closer to God is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Spend time with Him every day through prayer, Bible reading, obedience, worship, and fellowship. As you seek Him sincerely, your faith will grow, your peace will increase, and your life will reflect the character of Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Remember God’s promise, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV). Let our hearts focus on this.
Reflection Questions
- What is keeping me from spending more time with God?
- Am I reading the Bible and praying consistently?
- Is there any area of my life where God is calling me to obey Him?
- What practical step can I take today to grow closer to God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into a relationship with You. Help me to seek You with all my heart. Teach me to pray, love Your Word, obey Your voice, and trust You every day. Help me to draw closer to you as you draw closer to me. Make me more like Jesus your Son. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.