Do you want to get closer to God? Do you want to know Him more?
Here are 9 ways to get closer to God this year.
Contents
1. Get Closer To God Through Bible Reading
The Bible is a powerful tool for getting closer to God. By reading the Word of God, we can learn more about His character, His heart, and His plan for our lives. Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Commit to reading at least one chapter of the Bible every day, and ask God to reveal Himself to you in new and meaningful ways. Ask Him to show you more about Him and His plan for your life. Ask Him to provide you with wisdom and understanding as you read.
In Psalm 119:9-11, we’re encouraged to “…hide His word in our heart, so that we may not sin against Him.” Memorizing scripture is a great way to keep God on your mind throughout the day and make sure you’re living according to His will.
If you read God’s word, you will get closer to God. You will understand His character more and love Him more.
2. Get Closer To God Through Prayer
Prayer is simply talking to God. It allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and concerns to Him, and it’s an opportunity to listen to what He has to say to us. Matthew 6:6 says, “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.”
Make it a habit to pray every day, whether it’s in the morning, at night, or throughout the day. You can pray about anything! Pray for your family, your friends, and even your enemies. Ask God to be with you in difficult times and thank Him for all the blessings in your life.
Prayer is a great way to get closer to God. It helps us tune in to His voice and build trust with Him. When you pray, it’s an opportunity to open your heart and allow God to move in your life.
In Philippians 4:6-7, it says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse means that when we pray in faith, God will give us peace. He will take away our worries and fears, and replace them with His peace and comfort.
We get closer to God when we pray.
3. Be Closer To God Through Worship
Worship is a way to honor and praise God for who He is, and what He has done for us. It can be expressed in many different ways, such as singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or simply bowing down in reverence.
Psalm 147:1 declares, “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.”
Find a local church or ministry where you can worship with other believers. Allow yourself to be open and vulnerable, and let the music move your heart as you express your love for God. As you sing and make music to the Lord, focus on Him and allow Him to fill your heart with joy.
Psalm 95:6-7 states, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.”
Worship can help you get closer to God by allowing you to express your love for Him and drawing closer to Him in the process.
4. Draw Close To God Through Community
Being a part of a community of believers is essential for our spiritual growth. It provides a support system, accountability, and opportunities for fellowship and service.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This verse is calling us to gather together, build one another up, and spur each other on. Through relationship with other believers, we can grow in our faith and rely on each other when times get tough.
Find a church or group of people who you can connect with and share life with. Allow yourself to accept their love and support. Through relationships, you can get closer to God and experience the joy and peace of knowing Him better.
In Galatians 6:2, it says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” When we come together as a community of believers and carry each other’s burdens, we can experience God’s love more deeply.
Getting closer to God doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you in your faith, and you’ll be able to draw closer to Him.
5. Know God More Through Fasting
Fasting is a way to deny ourselves and focus on God. It can be done for various reasons, such as seeking guidance, repenting of sin, or preparing for a season of ministry. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry.
Matthew 6:16-18 states, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others…But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Fasting can help us get closer to God by refocusing our attention on Him and allowing us to spend extra time in prayer. When we devote this extra time to seeking God’s will, He will reward us with spiritual insight and understanding.
By fasting, we show God that we trust in His power, provision, and love. We can be assured that He is with us, guiding us on our journey of faith.
Fasting offers a unique opportunity for us to get closer to God. As we deny ourselves and surrender our will to Him, He will meet us in the time of fasting and draw near to us. So take some time out of your day to fast and pray, and experience the joy of getting closer to God.
6. Deepen Your Relationship With God Through Serving
Serving others is a way to reflect the love of Christ and make a positive impact in the world. It can be done in various ways, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter, visiting the sick, giving to charity, or utilizing our gifts and talents to serve others.
Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
When we put others first, it helps us remember that God is the source of our joy and strength. It also allows us to experience God’s love more deeply. As we serve with a pure heart and humble attitude, it will draw us closer to Him and help us deepen our relationship with Him.
Serve someone in need and experience the joy of getting closer to God.
In Mark 8:35, Jesus said, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
When we put our faith in action and serve others, we experience God’s great love for us. We can see Him in the lives of those we serve, and our faith is strengthened and deepened.
7. Get Closer To God Through Gratitude
Gratitude is an attitude of the heart that recognizes God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. It can be expressed through thanksgiving, praise, and acknowledging even the smallest blessings in our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
When we focus on the good things in our lives, it can help us to see God’s hand at work in everything. Gratitude helps us to draw closer to God as we appreciate His love and grace for us.
Express gratitude for all that He has done for us and be thankful for the blessings He has given. Open your heart to Him and thank Him for His love, mercy, and grace.
In Ephesians 5:20, Paul writes, “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Give thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness.
8. Close To God Through Repentance
Repentance is a turning away from our sin and turning towards God. It involves a change of heart and action, and a willingness to receive forgiveness and grace.
Acts 3:19 states, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
When we repent, it helps us to get closer to God as we acknowledge our need for Him and surrender our will to His. It opens the door for God’s love and mercy to work in our lives and brings us into a closer relationship with Him.
Pray, confess your sins, and ask for forgiveness. Let go of the things that hold you back from a deeper relationship with God, and experience the joy of getting closer to Him through repentance.
In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.”
Let go of the things that hold you back from a deeper relationship with God and surrender your life to Him.
9. Know God Deeper By Trusting In Him
Trusting in God means relying on Him for our every need, and believing that He is in control of our lives. It can be challenging at times, especially when we face trials and difficulties, but it’s essential for our spiritual growth and peace.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
When we trust in God, it helps us to get closer to Him and experience His love and provision. We can find a deeper level of peace and joy when we surrender our lives to Him and put our faith in action.
Pray and ask God for guidance. Trust that He will provide what is best for you and give Him control of your life. Experience the joy of getting closer to God through trust.
In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Trust in God with all your heart and commit your life to Him. Experience the joy of getting closer to God through trusting in His power and provision.
It is really helpful, thanks