The most important relationship you can cultivate and grow is your relationship with God. But, you might be wondering, “How can I grow closer to God?” 

God created man and placed him in the garden of Eden. He did this all to have a relationship with him.

Isn’t it amazing to know that God, our Heavenly Father, wants to know us and He wants us to know Him?

James 4:8 NKJV says,

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Consider other religions…which god wants a relationship with those who believe in him? None!!

How can I grow closer to God?

Devotion Shows Value

Firstly, like any relationship you have with your spouse, children, parents or friends, you likely recognize that the relationship itself requires an investment of time and sacrifice.

In a relationship, you’re looking for a safe place where you can build trust and share openly.

The Lord is looking to have a relationship like this with you and you with Him.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

Following Jesus and being devoted to Him requires our whole selves. This can be hard to receive. Jesus said it like this in Mark 8:34 NKJV,

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

 

As our Father is Creator and God, he wants our lives to be lived FOR Him sharing in His love while expressing it to others.

Our lives are not our own.

We’re to live a lifestyle of devotion to God following Him. He’s not looking for a timeslot in your schedule and doesn’t want to be considered a timeslot. He wants you and your whole heart at all times.

Create Intentional Time With The Lord

That said, creating a habit of intentional time with the Lord shows how you value Him. It’s necessary to remove distractions and the things that take away our attention from focusing on what He wants to share with us.

For example: when you have two children talking at the same time, it’s impossible to hear and listen to both. So you ask one to remain quiet, while you listen to the other.

God knows us. He knows we can so easily get distracted and have our minds wander or start to think about other things instead of remaining on Him.

Maybe you’re asking… so how can I grow closer to God with the little time I have as a busy mom?

It can be challenging when you’re a busy mom for yet ANOTHER thing and especially when you feel like all you’re doing is sacrificing.

As a mom of babies and little kids, it can be a challenge in that season. You’re exhausted from night time wake-ups, cleaning, cooking, keeping baby happy, all while still having your marriage, friendships, serving, etc.

I’ve been there, I totally understand you!

God is rich in mercy. He knows the season you’re in; it’s not a surprise to Him. In fact, He’s probably more gracious and kind to you than you are to yourself.

So in terms of time, do the best that you can. Give God your best. He knows your heart!

…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

Read the Bible

To know who God is, to get to know His heart and His will to be accomplished on the earth and reading the Bible is the way to know.

And in order to get to know who we are and the power of the Holy Spirit that’s within us, it requires us to get to know who God says we are through His Word.

The Word of God is:

• Living
• Powerful
• Reviving
• Cleansing
• Strengthens
• Hope
• Light
• and so much more

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

You might be thinking that to read the Bible is a huge book and certainly overwhelming just to look at. But why not start with some more well-known scriptures found in this 30-day Bible scripture challenge or start at the new testament, like the book of Matthew.

Talk With God

The way we communicate with the Lord is through prayer.

Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with the Lord as we pray for others, ourselves, our families and what God wants accomplished on the earth.

Persistent, effective and fervent prayer makes changes. Prayer is our agreement with Lord concerning His will on this earth, as it is in heaven.

Consider spending intentional time with the Lord using a prayer journal where you can focus on a scripture, write what you’re thankful for, including prayer requests and praise reports.

…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16

Worship Fixes Our Eyes On The Lord

Singing worship songs about the Lord and to the Lord isn’t so much for Him as it is for us and the change that occurs in our heart

Worship is our warfare as we remind ourselves who God is.

We’re constantly bombarded by this world’s way of doing things, which is contrary to God’s way of doing things. Fear, lies, comparison, insecurities, bad reports, destructive relationships, and so much more surrounds us. We can’t help but be impacted by all these things and it affects how we draw near to God.

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV says,

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

It’s imperative to recognize that we have a fight on our hands and it’s not with people, but Satan, who wants to steal kill and destroy your destiny. He knows the impact you’re going to make when you’re spending time with the Lord, and then doing what He’s called you to do.

The Answer?

The answer to your question, “How can I grow closer to God” is simple, but it takes devotion and commitment on your part.

But, as you continue to give yourself to God, you’ll find a closeness and nearess to Him that’s personal, intimate and deep.

What are some habits you’ve instilled to make sure you’re spending time with the Lord to grow closer to Him?

Anchored in Jesus,
Melanie