How can we get closer to God so we can develop an intimate relationship with Him?
As followers of Jesus, our footprints should be running towards God, yet, we tend to tread slowly and get sidetracked easily.
The closer we are to Him, the easier it is to remain focused on him and not the distractions.
When we are close to God, we can truly feel His presence with us throughout the day.
But cultivating this relationship does take a bit of work and effort on your part!
Fortunately, you can easily develop some simple daily habits that make getting closer to God just a regular part of your daily routine!
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How to Get Closer to God
Followers of Christ often talk about how they want to get closer to God but aren’t quite sure how to do that. To get closer to someone means to prioritize spending time with them and having deep conversations with them.
The closer you are to God, the more you feel His presence in your life. And that presence brings peace, especially when you are going through trials.
But making the effort to get closer to Him is also an act of obedience! God wants us to know Him better.
Yes, it takes actual effort on your part but the benefits are heavenly.
Here are some practical steps to developing daily habits that will bring you closer to God than you ever imagined possible!
Set Aside Daily Time with God
The best way to get to know someone better is to simply spend more time with them. And it is no different with getting closer to God and knowing Him better!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
Developing a daily routine to pray with God is essential to the Christian Life. Good spiritual habits are key to productive days. Set aside a special time each and every day to spend with Him.
Read the Bible Each Day
Getting closer to God means to be in His Word each and every day.
The Psalms tell us to meditate on His Word day and night. So, yes, you should read the Bible daily as a priority. Remember, the Holy Words are spiritual food.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalms 1:1-3 NIV
Whether you meditate on one verse or read several chapters, it doesn’t matter. Why? Because simply being in His Word brings Him closer to you.
Pray on a Daily Basis
Cultivating a daily habit of prayer will definitely bring you closer to God! Think about it – the more time we spend talking to someone, the better we get to know them.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 NIV
The best thing about prayer is that it can be done anywhere and anytime. And there is no right or wrong way to do it. It is literally just a conversation with God.
Praise God
How often should we praise God? Praising God is something He wants us to do.
And just like with prayer, we can praise God in so many powerful ways!
We can praise God in our thoughts and out loud through words and music.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.Psalm 119:164-166 NIV
Worshipping Him humbles us and reminds us that He is in control.
Write in a Journal
Using all or most of our senses gives us an advantage to remembering and learning important truths easier.
Thus, writing out Bible Verses, thoughts, and God’s teachings allows us to visualize, touch, and meditate upon important messages in a long-term manner.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV
Do you have a spiritual journal for writing? If not, there are many prayer journals to help you get started.
Meditate on Bible Verses
In order for us to know God better and get closer to Him, we must know what He expects from us.
Meditating on scripture allows us to get to know him in a more meaningful way.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
Meditation simply means to dwell and study upon a thought with intention. It doesn’t just mean memorizing Bible verses, there should also be an intention to understand the words.
Take Inventory of Thoughts
If we were honest with ourselves, many times our thoughts are not Biblical. If we can transform our thoughts into truthful and pure thinking, what comes out of our mouths would be much more loving.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Consider taking inventory of your thoughts throughout the day to determine how to clean up a dirty, cluttered mind. Try a Biblical Thinking Notebook to get into the habit of replacing bad thoughts with the Biblical kind of thinking.
Fast During Special Times
If you are struggling with a problem and want to give it to God, it seems at times too hard to stop thinking about it. We tend to dwell on our trials and need extra help to get through them.
Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Joel 2:12 NIV
Consider fasting, which is refraining from food and/or water, an entire day or part of the day. When you are hungry, instead, read the Word of God or talk to God about your situation.
Fasting can help you get closer to God in a more powerful way than simply praying and talking to Him!
Display His Powerful Words
The Bible tells us that wherever our treasure is, there is our heart. What are your treasures – what do you display on your wall?
Displaying Bible Verses on your walls, fridge, on your laptop or phone can have a huge impact on your faith. Scripture is so encouraging and reminds us many times throughout the day how we can trust in Him.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
There are many times throughout the day when we lose our faith in Him. Not only should we bind His words in our heart, but we should also showcase His precious words everywhere so our mind stays in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Spread the Gospel
As Christians, we are His disciples or His students. He has commanded us to tell others about the good news so they too can become disciples across the world.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NIV
It pleases God for His followers to obey His Word. And, someday we will appear at the judgment seat of Christ asking what we have done for Him.
How can we spread the gospel? There are so many ways – through our conversations including face to face, email, text, and any online communications.
Talk about Him
As our relationship grows with Jesus, we will naturally want to talk about him in our everyday conversations. We want to share what makes us happy and content with our life.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Whether we come across neighbors, family, friends, or strangers, our conversations should include our love for Christ.
Grow Closer to God Every Single Day!
These 11 ways to get closer to God are great spiritual goals to consider whether it’s the beginning of a new year or the end of a difficult one.
It is important to wake up each day with a focus on our love for the Lord in our hearts, mind, and soul.
As your daily walk with Him grows stronger, remember this.
While treasures on earth will ALWAYS waste away, these spiritual steps will ALWAYS draw you closer to Jesus. Just take one step at a time and you’ll be on the right path to spiritual success.
