7 Tips for Getting Closer to God

Blog Two: Theology

Opening Question: How would you describe your relationship with God right now?

Now on to the blog!

Have you ever been at a place in your life where you don’t know where to start with your faith? Maybe the church hurt you, and you don’t know how to reconcile. Maybe you are just beginning to form a relationship with Christ, and you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you simply are growing up and are trying to figure out all of this faith stuff. It may seem overwhelming, but let me assure you. NO MATTER where you are in your journey with faith, God is there. Even when it seems like He isn’t. With that said, here are my top seven tips on how to grow your relationship with God!

1. Form a Christian Community around you.

Hebrews 10:24-24: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

I cannot stress how important community is to our faith life. It can be Christian friends, a youth group, a church, or any place where you live in Chrisitan community. God did call us to do this life alone. He called us to meet together, lean on each other, and do life together.

2. Read your Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Scripture is our guidebook. It is the words of God, and it tells us how to walk in the world as Christians. Whenever you are confused, anxious, and struggling with a relationship with God- turn to scripture first. Allow it to guide you and pray that God will open your eyes to see what you need to.

3. Find a quiet place to spend time with God.

Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you.”

While Christian community is fundamental, your relationship with God is ONLY between you and God. It is a safe and sacred place where you can be fully transparent and rest in His arms. God longs for an intimate relationship with you. Just you and Him. The space where you spend time with God doesn’t have to be anything fancy- just a place where you can fully focus on Him.

4. Use your creativity to connect with God.

Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them.”

In the beginning, God CREATED. As we were formed in God’s image, we are also called to create. So choose a way you like to be creative and invite God into that space. It doesn’t have to be perfect, because God doesn’t call us to be perfect. I naturally gravitate toward music, but maybe art is your thing. Maybe writing is your thing. Just find a way to creatively connect with God.

5. Pray!

Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition let your requests be made known to God.”

This verse might scare the crap out of you- but God is not asking us to just stop being anxious. He is asking us to make prayer the response to our anxiety. One way we can grow closer to God is by making prayer the response to the little and big issues of our life- I am assured that when we make prayer a habit, we start to see God move in our lives (even in seemingly small ways).

6. Be careful with things you hear, be sure to discern.

1 Thessalonians 5:21: “But test everything; hold fast to what is good.”

Not everything you hear, even from a Christian source, is true or life-giving. This world is broken, and humans are imperfect. If something you hear does not sit right, turn to scripture and go to God. Trust your gut and ask God for discernment.

7. Be kind to yourself.

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not by your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

You do not have to get it right all the time. Let me repeat that: Beloved, you do not have to get it right all the time. I can say a relationship with God is the best gift I have ever received. But I sometimes neglect to read my bible. I often don’t live in this world like Christ would want me to. But- I’m trying. Everyday. God loves you no matter what. He values you. Cut yourself some slack and be kind to yourself- I know Jesus would.