How to Build a Relationship With God
Building a relationship with God requires intentional effort, much like nurturing any personal relationship. The key elements are communication, listening, and service. Prayer is the primary way to communicate with God.
Through daily prayer, you can share your thoughts, express gratitude, and seek guidance. God wants to hear from you, and prayer offers a direct line to Him. This consistent communication deepens your connection with God and allows you to develop a personal relationship with Him.
Equally important is listening to God, which is done through reading the scriptures. The scriptures are God’s way of speaking to us, providing guidance and wisdom. As Richard G. Scott explained, reading, pondering, and praying over scriptures allows us to receive impressions and guidance from God. This two-way communication—speaking through prayer and listening through the scriptures—creates a meaningful and dynamic relationship with God.
Additionally, serving others is a powerful way to strengthen your relationship with God. By serving His children, you are expressing love for God and sharing His love with those around you. Acts of service not only please God but also bring personal happiness and fulfillment. This connection between serving others and loving God helps you align with His will and fosters a deeper spiritual bond.
Why Do I Feel Distant From God?
Feeling distant from God is something that many people go through at times. This can happen for different reasons: stress, worries, or life problems. When you’re going through a tough time, it’s normal to want a sign from God to show that He’s with you or to guide you in the right direction. While you might be looking for something bigger, signs from God are small. They might come as a comforting thought, a kind word from someone, or a Bible verse that really speaks to you.
Sometimes, we might just not be spending enough time praying, reading the Bible, or thinking about God, which can make us feel like He's far away.
It's also normal to have doubts or questions about faith that can make us feel unsure about our relationship with God.
But remember, feeling distant doesn’t mean God has left you! He’s still there, and this might be a reminder to reach out to Him more.
What Book of the Bible Should I Read To Get Closer to God?
If you’re looking to grow closer to God through Bible reading, several books can help deepen your spiritual journey.
Psalms is an excellent starting point, offering a collection of 150 poems and songs that provide peace, encouragement, and assurance of God's presence. With verses like "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23), Psalms resonates with many seeking comfort and spiritual strength.
Genesis offers a foundational understanding of God’s creation and the early stories of faith, such as Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham. It’s a captivating book that provides context for Christian teachings.
For a deeper connection with Jesus, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are essential, presenting the life, teachings, and miracles of Christ.
Finally, Romans offers a comprehensive view of Christian doctrine, discussing God, sin, grace, and salvation, making it a must-read for understanding the core themes of the Bible.
How To Give Your Life to God
Here is how the community Reddit answered this question:
@plidek: “Love peace, justice and righteousness. We are to prepare the way for the return of the lord.”
@Aromatic-Resort-7768: “Because you have to have an intimate relationship with him. Not a religious one where you worship him on Sundays. Make bible studying fun again- read the bible with someone and teach someone the bible. And surround yourself with Godly people or go into isolation.”
@Thismansalizard: “Do good deeds for others. Love, protect, pray. You can give your life to Christ by giving your life to others. If you wish to devote yourself to Christ then devote yourself to helping nurturing, caring and supporting. The lord did all of that for us we should continue his teachings.”
7 Ways To Seek First the Kingdom of God
Seeking first the kingdom of God is a call to prioritize God’s will and purposes above all else in your life. Here are seven practical ways to live this out:
- Prayer: Prayer is foundational for seeking God’s kingdom. Through consistent communication with God, we align our hearts with His will. Prayer opens the door for God’s guidance and helps us stay connected to Him in our daily lives. It’s a way to submit our desires and ask for His kingdom to come and His will to be done.
- Study Scripture: The Bible is God's word, and studying it helps us understand His will and how to live according to His kingdom principles. Regular Bible reading and meditation on Scripture provide insight into God’s character and His plan for our lives. It is through Scripture that we learn how to seek God’s kingdom in every situation.
- Worship: Worship is more than just singing; it’s a lifestyle of honoring God. By making worship a priority, whether in private or with a faith community, we recognize God’s sovereignty over our lives and declare His worth. Worship centers our lives on God and His kingdom.
- Obedience: Seeking God's kingdom involves living in obedience to His commands. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience reflects our commitment to living under God's rule, making His priorities our own.
- Serve Others: One of the most tangible ways to seek God's kingdom is by serving others. Jesus taught that when we serve the least of these, we serve Him (Matthew 25:40). Service reflects God’s love and advances His kingdom on earth.
- Share the Gospel: Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ is central to seeking God’s kingdom. By sharing the message of salvation, we help others come into God’s kingdom and experience His grace and love.
- Trust in God: Seeking first the kingdom of God means trusting Him above all else. Jesus taught that we should not worry about our earthly needs but trust that God will provide for us as we focus on His kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34). Trusting in God’s plan allows us to live a life of faith, prioritizing His eternal purposes over temporary concerns.
How To Talk to God
God deeply desires communication with us. One of the greatest challenges in our faith journey is recognizing and trusting the subtle, often inaudible ways in which God moves. While some may experience God's guidance through dreams or other means, it is unlikely that He will repeat the dramatic signs of the past, such as the burning bush witnessed by Moses.
However, through Jesus Christ, God’s presence remains just as real and powerful today. The primary way we engage in conversation with our Almighty Creator is through prayer. Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we are granted direct access to God, and prayer serves as how we communicate with Him.
Is talking to God the same as praying? Prayer is an integral aspect of worship and a profound expression of our faith. Whether through memorized prayers, journaled reflections, silent moments, or heartfelt songs, God is attentive to the sincerity of our conversation, regardless of the method we choose.
The unseen presence of our omnipresent God is central to the depth of our faith. Whether we speak to Him during daily activities, moments of reflection, or in the quiet of a sanctuary, we can connect with God at any time and in any place. In those raw, real moments when words fail, the gift of salvation through Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enable us to remain connected with our Creator.
How To Get Closer to God as a Teenager
This is a dilemma that many teens have when exploring their faith. Here is what Eric Hayes advised on Quora:
“Be intentional about praying. There is nothing more intimate than having a conversation with God. He wants this intimacy. The Bible says, “pray without ceasing.” Reading the Bible regularly will also bring you closer to God.
Also, acknowledge Him in every part of your life. When times are tough, turn to God. When it’s time to celebrate, celebrate with God. Give Him honor and praise in every part of your life. It takes practice and takes time to take God out of a box and insert Him in every part of your life.”
List of Things to Fast for God
Christianity has a long history of fasting. Fasting is traditionally defined as giving up food or liquids for a time in order to focus on one's spiritual development and draw nearer to God. On occasion, it serves as retribution for previous transgressions. Christianity requires fasting during specific holy days, but you may practice spiritual observance by fasting at any time.
Consult your doctor before starting a food fast. He or she may inform you that fasting is not a good idea or suggest that you fast for a brief length of time. If so, break your fast and think of other options.
These are a few fasting alternatives to consider:
Television
Many of us enjoy binge-watching shows on the weekends or catching up on our favorite programs throughout the week. However, television can easily become a distraction, taking time and attention away from more important aspects of life, including your relationship with God. If you find yourself spending too much time in front of the screen, consider fasting from television for a while. This break can help you shift your focus back to your faith.
Video Games
Video games, much like television, can be a fun pastime, but they can also consume a significant amount of time. If you find yourself frequently reaching for the controller or spending hours in front of the screen, fasting from video games could give you more time to concentrate on spiritual matters and deepen your connection with God.
Going Out
If you’re someone who loves going out on weekends, fasting from one or both weekend nights could be a valuable sacrifice. Instead of socializing, you could dedicate that time to studying the Bible, praying, or seeking God’s guidance in your life. Plus, by staying in, you’ll save money, which you can donate to your church or a charity, adding another layer of meaning to your fast.
Phones
For many, especially teens, texting and talking on the phone are daily habits. Fasting from your cell phone or limiting text messaging may be challenging, but each time you feel the urge to reach for your phone, you’ll be reminded to focus on God.
Social Media
Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are integral parts of daily life for many people. By fasting from social media, you can reclaim the time you usually spend online and redirect it towards nurturing your relationship with God.
Lunch Break
Fasting doesn’t have to involve skipping meals. Instead, you can use your lunch hour for prayer and reflection. Taking time away from the crowd during lunch can give you a peaceful moment to reconnect with God.
Mainstream Music
If you enjoy mainstream music, consider switching to Christian music for a time or turning off the radio altogether. Replacing your usual tunes with worship music or silence can create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection, helping you feel more connected to your faith.
8 Verses That Will Draw You Nearer to God
Read these Bible verses that will make you feel more connected and closer to God.
- James 4:8 "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." - This verse encourages us to take the first step towards God, with the promise that He will come closer to us in return.
- Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." - This verse reminds us that God is always close to those who sincerely reach out to Him.
- Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - This verse highlights the importance of genuinely seeking God, assuring us that He will be found by those who do.
- Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Jesus invites us to come to Him, especially when we are struggling, and He promises to provide rest and comfort.
- Psalm 73:28 - "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." - This verse emphasizes the goodness of being close to God and finding refuge in Him.
- Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near." - This verse encourages us to actively seek God and call on Him, knowing that He is always within reach.
- Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - This passage reassures us that when we bring our concerns to God in prayer, He will provide us with peace that goes beyond human understanding.
- Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - This verse is a comforting reminder that God is especially near to those who are hurting.
Use the Bible Chat App to Get Closer to God
One great way to strengthen your connection with God is by using the Bible Chat App. Our app offers a simple and convenient way to explore the Bible, find answers to your questions, and connect with others who share your faith. With the Bible Chat App, you can receive daily Bible verses and ask questions that are answered through scripture.
If you’re feeling distant from God or in need of guidance, the Bible Chat App can help you stay focused on your spiritual journey.
Download the Bible Chat App from App Store or Google Play!
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting closer to God is a continuous journey that involves nurturing your spiritual life through practices like prayer, reflection, service, and seeking understanding. By making intentional efforts to prioritize your relationship with God, you can experience deeper peace, guidance, and purpose in your life.
Whether through quiet moments of prayer, acts of kindness, or engaging with your faith community, each step brings you closer to a meaningful connection with God. Remember, this journey is personal and unique to you, and every small step toward deepening your faith is valuable.
