*A part of the B Series (centered around being intentional).
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. – Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect the most important relationship we can ever have — our relationship with God. Like any relationship, our connection with God requires time, effort, and intentionality.
If we believe that God has a plan for us all, then that means He INTENTIONALLY crafted a detailed plan for our lives. He also DESIRES relationship with us. So much so, that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. The least we can do is be a bit more intentional with truly cultivating our relationship with Him. Here’s how you can cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the Creator.
1. Prioritize Time with God
The foundation of any strong and healthy relationship is time spent together. Set aside daily moments to connect with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and reflecting on His presence in your life. Whether it’s the first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
2. Engage in Regular Bible Study
God communicates with us through the Bible. Spending time in His Word outside of your weekend church service is vital for the life of a Christian. Regular Bible study deepens our understanding of who God is and also helps us discern His will for our lives. This can be done with a small Bible Study group or even following an online study.
3. Cultivate a Heart of Worship
Worship is more than just singing songs on Sunday; it’s a lifestyle. Cultivating a heart of worship means living with a constant awareness of God’s goodness and expressing your gratitude to Him in every situation. When we worship, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and invite His presence into our lives.
4. Practice Active Obedience
Our relationship with God grows as we learn to trust and obey Him. Obedience is a tangible expression of our faith and love for God. As we follow His commands and promptings, we experience the fullness of His blessings and guidance in our lives. Because, as Jesus Himself said in Luke 6:46, how can we call Him “Lord, Lord!” and then don’t do what He says? Sheesh!
5. Engage in Community
God designed us to live in community with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of that. Engaging in fellowship with others encourages us, holds us accountable, and helps us grow in our faith. Being part of a community also provides opportunities to serve others and reflect God’s love in practical ways. That can be through church, networking or cultural events with other believers, or even online Christian groups (be careful and safe with who you meet). However, it’s important to foster community.
6. Develop a Prayerful Life
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It’s where we share our hearts, seek His guidance, and intercede for others. Developing a prayerful life means being intentional about bringing everything to God—our joys, struggles, hopes, and fears. Having a prayer board and Bible journaling has helped me greatly in this area!
7. Seek God in the Everyday Moments
Building a relationship with God doesn’t only happen during designated prayer times or church services. God is present in every moment of our lives, and we can cultivate our relationship with Him by being mindful of His presence throughout the day. I love taking nature walks, because it reminds me of God’s goodness and His dominion over the earth. And, again, the One Who created the entire universe can certainly handle my issues.
Our building an intentional relationship with God is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and love. And, admittedly, it’s a journey full of ups and downs, so give yourself grace. But as you consistently prioritize time with God, engage with His Word, and cultivate a heart of worship, you’ll find that your relationship with Him deepens in ways you never imagined. Remember, God desires to be close to you—He’s waiting with open arms, ready to walk with you every step of the way.
Imperfectly B 