Wondering how to Take Your Relationship With God to the Next Level?
Do you ever feel secretly jealous of Christians that have an intimate relationship with God? Do you sometimes feel that you can’t connect to Him, despite your desire to? You are not alone.
Many fellow believers struggle with building a relationship with our Savior. Although you may be yearning for God’s love in your heart, there might be times where you simply cannot feel it.
God longs for closeness with each of His children. God wants us to know Him as much as He wants to know us. When you are willing to make a relationship with God a priority, you will eventually begin to feel Him.
If you are hungry for a Christian lifestyle, you can achieve it with a little effort. If you have a void in your heart that you want God to fill, these steps will help you.
Here are 7 Ways to Take Your Relationship With God to the Next Level…
1. Confess Your Sins
One of the best ways to feel secure in your faith is by confessing all your sins to God, and continually choosing to accept Jesus Christ as your savior.
Sin is the ultimate barrier to a relationship with God, and confessing our sins before Him breaks down that wall.
When we confess our sins before God, He promises to forgive us (1 John 1:9), and forgiveness is what restores a relationship that has been strained.
When we repent for our sins, we should be heartfelt, open and honest.
We have to fully acknowledge the severity of our sins and how they took us away from God.
2. Pray Daily
God gave us a direct line to Him 24/7 through prayer.
Prayer is so much more than asking God for things that we want. Prayer is a way for us to tell God about our hopes and fears, say thank you for all He has done for us, and ask Him for guidance and help.
The Gospels often report of Jesus taking time away to communicate with His Father in prayer.
We can follow Jesus’ example, and set time aside regularly to do the same. When we talk to God, He hears what is hidden in our hearts.
We create a stronger relationship with Him through this practice.
3. Attend a Bible Study
Many Christians don’t know where to start when it comes to the Bible because it can be intimidating or seem boring.
But the Bible is one of the most important tools that a Christian can have. The Bible is full of wisdom on how to live the Christian lifestyle, and the rules of the Christian faith.
God gave us the Bible so we could seek His wisdom and so He could speak to us. A great way to begin understanding the Bible is by joining a local Bible study group.
This will bring you together with like-minded Christians that are also trying to grow on their spiritual journey.
4. Follow a Christian Lifestyle
In order to become a part of God, you must follow His teachings.
Jesus told His disciples in the upper room, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:23).
James tells us that as we submit ourselves to God through obedience, resist the devil, and draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:7-8).
Paul tells us in Romans that our obedience is our “living sacrifice” of thanksgiving to God (Romans 12:1).
Submitting yourself to God and living out a Christian lifestyle will let you grow closer to Him. Showing God that we want to be obedient tells Him that we love Him and we are grateful for all He has done for us.
5. Keep an Ear Open For Him
One reason you might not feel close to God is because you aren’t taking any time to listen for Him.
Prayer, while important, is typically Christians talking at God. If you aren’t being quiet and listening for God’s response afterwards, then you can’t continue to build a relationship with Him.
Make quiet time with God a priority. Life is busy and stressful, but God needs us to pause and listen to His whispers. Don’t be so quick to dismiss His voice, either.
God speaks to us in many different ways! Communication from God is unique for each person, and can come in the form of feelings, music, nature, circumstances and more.
6. Find a Mentor
It can be incredibly beneficial for you to find someone that can help you achieve your spiritual goals.
Too often, Christians go through their faith journey alone and struggle because they are too proud to ask for help.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. Ask a church leader, teacher or friend if they wouldn’t mind being your mentor.
God puts other Christians in our lives for a reason, and they can help guide us to Him, give us wisdom, and be a support system. A mentor can help hold you accountable as well. Connecting with a fellow church-goer will lead you closer to God.
7. Be Patient
Like any deep relationship, it takes time to develop, grow and flourish. Do not get upset when you don’t feel or see God right away.
Over time, you will be able to identify when He is speaking to you and feel a stronger connection to Him.
The more time you dedicate to the relationship, the more you will get out of it. As you grow to trust in Him and believe His word, your heart will become more fulfilled.
Be patient as you put in the effort to creating a better relationship.
If you feel yourself getting anxious or fidgety, let God know. Being open and honest can only make the relationship you have with Him even better.
If you heart is longing to have a void filled, you might be hungry for God. God’s love can make you feel complete.
These tips will help you create a deep and meaningful relationship with Him, and help you advance along your spiritual journey. Keep reaching out to God and building a solid foundation with Him, and you will be on your way to becoming a complete person.
