For some reason I always get asked ''How did you get closer to God''? It can be a tricky question to answer because everyone's walk with Jesus Christ is different. There is no direct path or routine to follow. However, every Christian can tell you walking with Jesus requires complete sacrifice. He requires your all and nothing less. So if you aren't ready for change, sacrifice, letting go of what you've been taught, and experiencing a whole new life, then you aren't willing to get closer to God. Though, If you are ready for change here are some of my personal tips for getting closer to him.
Frist and foremost, I think it's important to understand who God is? Many people say they want to get closer to God, but which God are you talking about? There are many gods of this world but only one true living God. The God of Abraham, Isaac , and Jacob. The God who sent his only son to die on the cross for us. If you are speaking about this God then we are on the same page.
The bible says Jesus is the way, the light, and the truth. No one can get to the father unless through Jesus Christ. So if you're seeking God you must know Jesus first. Accept Jesus as your Lord and savior.
There's a scripture that I love from Matthew 7:7 it says, ''Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that ask receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened''. I love this scripture because it shows us that Jesus doesn't make it hard for us, it's simple. The first step is acknowledging Jesus and seeking him. So the fact that you're even here right now is amazing and it shows that you are seeking. Once we seek, we find. He doesn't hide himself from us. He's always searching for a willing heart who genuinely wants to know more about him.
Well, how do I seek God you may ask, you show him that you are desperate for him! In a world where everyone is so disconnected we live in a generation that doesn't know Gods word. Get yourself a bible and read it. Take time to learn his word! Through the bible is how you'll learn Gods voice and character. The bible isn't just another book that you can read, the words in it are living and they hold so much power and knowledge. In order to understand them you must ask Jesus to give you revelation and understanding on it. You can trust that he will began to pour understanding and wisdom into you the more you read your bible.
Which goes into my next tip, prayer! Praying will be a vital role in your relationship with Jesus. It's your communication with him that builds the relationship. Think of any good friend in your life, if you guys hadn't spoken to each other you wouldn't be as close as you are today. Jesus is always speaking to us but we are so busy in our day to day lives that we rarely take the time to hear him and speak back. Prayer is powerful and what I love about it is that there is no such thing as a ''proper'' prayer. You can talk to Jesus about anything, anywhere. Even if you're angry. Just as you would talk to a friend you should talk to Jesus. Even when it feels crazy or like he doesn't hear you, trust that he is right there with you and he hears every word. The more you pray the easier it'll become and the more powerful your prayers will get. You'll eventually find yourself speaking to him all the time, everywhere. He'll began to answer your prayers and you'll began to learn his voice. Heaven rejoices every time you pray to Jesus with a genuine heart.
5. Faith, you must always walk in faith. Although It's easy to doubt if Jesus is actually with us at times, you can't lose faith in him. Through hardship Jesus is still good and he still loves you. If you hold on to faith this will please Jesus and you'll eventually see his hand in whatever situation you're in. Faith moves him and as you read the bible and pray that'll also increase your faith. Without faith nothing is possible and you are setting yourself up for disappointment. You can't say you believe in Jesus and then doubt him, or lose faith in him the moment something doesn't go your way. He often throws trails at us to increase our faith in him. He gives us test to build us, Will you pass the test?
Don't be afraid of letting worldly things go. Like I said earlier, this relationship with Jesus will require sacrifice. You'll have to let go of certain things that bring you farther away from him. Such as smoking, drinking, partying, sex, worldly friends, toxic relationships, and anything else that could be a distraction or hindrance from your walk with God. It isn't always easy but God respects sacrifice and for everything you lose he'll replenish and restore. What God gives you will be so much better anyway! If he says let it go, let it go.
Satan is always looking for a vulnerable babe in Christ. Temptation will be at an all time highest, so it'll be smart to surround yourself with a like minded community. Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable and lead you the right way. Not everyone is trustworthy so it's important to pray for discernment and ask Jesus to place the right people in your life. Keep your mind on heavenly things and constantly feed your spirit with his word. When you know the word, you know how to fight Satan off! Jesus will be with you during the temptation and attacks from the devil, pray and ask God to give you strength and he will. Maybe even join a church but always pray first and see what Jesus has to say about it.
8. Last but not least, include Jesus in everything! Then you'll eventually see him working in every area of your life. Remember, this is like a friendship. Don't exclude him from your life because ultimately he cares for you and wants you to involve him. If you could hear my conversations with Jesus you'd probably laugh because he's truly become my best friend and that's what he wants for you. This journey wont always be easy and it isn't for the weak but the promises of God that you'll get in return will be worth it!
As we come to an end of all my tips for you, I want to encourage you to really dive deep into your walk with Jesus. Invest into it. Treat it like a marriage because that's what it is. Devote yourself to him, cry to him, laugh with him, be angry with him, do everything with him because life is so much better with Jesus. Don't give up on him because he wont ever give up on you and I promise you wont regret it.
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