I’ve seen a definite theme in the first few weeks of the new year. So many people have expressed their desire to grow in their spirituality. They might call it different things – a desire to be more centered, to find inner peace – but I’ve definitely noticed that a lot of people (myself included) are seeking for what I call a close relationship with God.
How do you get close to God? Is it possible? Absolutely.
#1 You must have a personal relationship with God
You can’t know someone unless you have met them! God wants to have an intimate, personal relationship with you and with me. He is perfect, and we are flawed. There’s good news – God has made a way for a flawed person to have a relationship with a holy God! “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) That is the gospel! Once you have accepted the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, you have entered into the most fulfilling personal relationship of all!
#2 Read The Bible
It’s pretty basic – getting close to God and finding peace truly come from reading God’s Word. That’s why one of my goals is to read through the Bible this year! I’m already so glad I set this goal for myself. God’s Word always brings peace! Our pastor said this in his message yesterday, “Nothing is more powerful for Christian growth than when the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and speaks to the people of God.”
#3 Talk To God
Again with the basics, I know. Knowing and being close to God is a relationship, and communication is always vital in a relationship. When life becomes the opposite of peaceful, stop and pour out your heart to God. When you feel you’re not centered – talk to God. Allow Him to be the center of your joy!
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16
Come Home For Comfort 
Our pastor has recently spoken about improving our relationship with God, and it’s very fitting with the new year here. It’s something we all can use a little fine-tuning at, and with some effort is very rewarding! Happy reading!
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Love this!!! I think this is such simple, straightforward advice that everyone can put into action!
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That was my goal! It is possible for everyone to have a close relationship with God. ❤
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Great advice! I put off this relationship for so many years because I didn’t feel knowledgeable enough and just didn’t know where to start. Reading books written by Christian authors and following along with Jesus daily really helped me feel more confident.
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I love that the Bible says “whosoever will may come to Jesus!” We don’t have to know or do anything, we can just come!
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Your 3 step game plan makes my goal of reading my Bible more, finding a church home and growing in my faith this year seem very doable. I love the way you phrased your steps and I needed the reminder that sometimes I overcomplicate things making them more difficult than they need to be.
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I’m glad you found some encouragement for your goals!! The thing about growing closer to God is that He initiated the relationship with US, so it’s not one-sided. You aren’t on your journey alone! ❤ Praying you'll be able to find a new church and continue to grow this year!
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What a beautifully written post. Sometimes I think I make life so complicated. It’s nice to just get back to the basics, you know?!?
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Yes I do!! I love keeping things simple for myself!
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I often say my prayers are more like a dialog with Christ. I talk like He and I are having coffee and just catching up. But mostly it’s me pouring out my heart’s desires which He works on so brilliantly day after day.
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God does care about every burden and concern on our hearts, no matter how big or small!
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Sometimes the basics are the easiest things to mess up. Thanks for these simple reminders.
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I like to keep things simple for myself – I figured others do too! 🙂
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