11 Ways to Get Closer to God This Year
Not long ago, as I hustled from one task to the next, I slipped on the wet floor and fell with a thud. I had no way of knowing that the moment was about to be a lesson on how to get closer to God.
As I grabbed my knee and writhed in pain, I suddenly felt two tiny arms holding me.
Five-year-old Aiden had witnessed the scene from the living room and rushed to my side to comfort me.
My heart melted. My little boy did more than merely call out to ask if I was okay. He didn’t come to my side and stand beside me looking concerned. Instead, he embraced me. He drew as near as possible and offered the gift of his loving presence.
How to Get Closer to God
The morning after the event, I read the following words: “Let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely” (Song of Solomon 2:14).
These are the words spoken by the groom to his bride in Song of Solomon, and they reveal Christ’s heart toward each of us.
Jesus longs to be near to us. He wants to see our faces and hear our voices. He cherishes us as a groom cherishes his bride.
When we draw near to Christ, we stir his heart in a way that is similar to the way my little boy stirred my heart. Like little Aiden, we offer him the gift of ourselves, and he delights in the gift.
11 Ways to Get Closer to God
Here are a few ways I regularly offer Jesus the gift of myself and grow closer to him in the process.
1. Begin the day by soaking in his love.
Before I get out of bed each morning, I try to take a moment to soak in Jesus’ love. I turn my attention toward him, thank him for the gift of a new day, and imagine his love pouring over me.
Some days, my emotions are stirred by this time with him.
Most days, I still feel groggy and look forward to freshening up and drinking a cup of coffee to help me get moving. In either case, turning my eyes toward the Lord first thing every morning helps me to continue to turn to him throughout the day. I have a deep sense that he is pleased when I turn my attention to him.
2. Get closer to God by thanking him for his gifts daily.
After making breakfast for the kids, I slip away to a quiet place where I can talk to God.
I begin by thanking him for at least one blessing in my life. I might thank him for a moment from the previous day or a scene outside the window. Giving thanks shifts my mood and fills me with joy.
3. Spend time in his written Word.
I also try to read my Bible for even a few minutes each morning. Some days, I read several chapters. On other days, I only read a few verses and write about them in my journal.
I talk to God about the reading and ask him what he wants to show me as I aim to apply it to my life.
Some days, I struggle to find an application. On other days, the words seem to come alive and speak directly into situations I’ve been facing. Regardless of how this time goes, I always walk away feeling nourished.
4. Get closer to God by resting with him for a few minutes daily.
Before moving to the next part of the day, I take a few moments to rest in God’s love. I have no measurable goal and aim to simply enjoy sitting with him for a few moments.
Sometimes, he impresses a truth upon my heart. Most of the time, I find peace. This time together feels like resting with a close friend and enjoying the gift of being together.
Read here for 11 practical ways to get closer to God this year #faith #God #pursuingGod Share on X5. Pause to talk to him in the middle of the day.
I’ve learned to purposefully pause in the middle of even the busiest days to talk to God. Over lunch, I talk to him about the morning and ask for wisdom for the second half of the day.
For years, I set a timer on my watch. It beeped at noon every day and reminded me to turn my attention to God in the middle of the day—for even a few seconds. This purposeful pause is centering.
6. Slip away to declutter your mind with him.
It’s not always easy to slip away to the woods and talk to God in the evenings, but I try to practice this as often as possible. Time in nature is restorative to me, and I’m thankful for a wooded trail next to our family’s home.
As I walk, I talk to God about the day, declutter my mind, and create space to rest with him.
7. Get closer to God by spending time with other believers.
Last spring, I read a book by Henry Cloud called How People Grow. One premise of the book was that we grow by spending time (and sharing our stories with) other people. Connecting with friends who love Jesus consistently helps me connect with God.
These friends point me to his Truth when I need it and encourage me in difficult times. They are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in my life.
8. Hang Scripture where you will see it often.
Our family memorizes a Bible verse every week or two. We write it on paper, hang it on the fridge, and learn it by repeatedly looking at it. Hiding his Word in our hearts helps us grow closer to God.
9. Wear jewelry that reminds you to turn toward him throughout the day.
I often wear a different ring or bracelet to remind me to pause and look toward God throughout the day. This is a simple way to remind myself to check in with him often, moving closer to the admonition to pray without stopping.
10. Get closer to God by listening to worship music.
Listening to praise music throughout the day helps me stay focused on God as well. Whether I’m writing or working around the house, I often turn on a worship playlist to help me stay connected to God.
11. Turn off the music and talk to God while you drive.
I enjoy listening to music while driving, but I often turn off the music and use solitary time in the car to talk to God. As a busy parent with three noisy kids, these quiet moments are rare. Using them to talk to God helps me stay close to him.
As I write to you today, the same little boy who hugged me after I fell down sits snuggled beside me as I type. I’m grateful for his nearness. I imagine Jesus sitting with us, smiling as we spend this time in his presence.
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