5 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with God

                                   by Carrie Umporowicz

1. Humble Yourself and Pray

Prayer is more than reciting words. It’s a chance for you to have a conversation with God. You can pray at any time throughout the day, but you may want to consider starting your day off in prayer. When you open your eyes in the morning and turn off your alarm, thank God for another day. Thank Him for your family, friends, your home and transportation, your work, and any other blessings.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine that we forget how truly blessed we are. By taking time in the morning (and again before you drift off to sleep at night), you will keep these positives centered in your mind.

Ask God to continue to bless and protect you and your family. This is also a great time to ask Him for help in keeping your mind focused on His will for your life. Sometimes by asking Him, we suddenly begin to see opportunities in front of us.

2. Read and Study Your Bible

Think of your Bible as a handbook. There is more about how to live your life within the pages than you may realize. Books like Proverbs and the letters to the churches (such as Ephesians and Philippians) teach you how to live the Christian life. The Bible is full of life lessons.

You can find Jesus’ teachings throughout the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and then follow the disciples’ teachings in the rest of the New Testament. The Old Testament introduces you to Jesus’ lineage and stories of people of great faith. The more you mature in God’s Word, the less you will allow external factors to cause you to falter.

If you can, try to delve deeply into a particular book, either through a group Bible study class or online so you can glean some nuggets of truth. This will also make clearer how this truth applies to your life.

3. Join a Group of Like-Minded Believers

The fellowship is important, not only for your sense of belonging and acceptance but also for your spiritual growth as a Christian. Whether it’s a local church group, a Bible study class in someone’s home, or an online group, you can find like-minded believers to share thoughts and testimonies.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to locate Christian groups that meet based on another interest as well. This can include Christian book clubs, Christian therapy groups, or faith-based fitness classes.

There is a saying that you become like the five people you choose to hang around. Choose people who are strong in their relationship with God and who can help your spiritual growth as a Christian.

4. Do for Others

Jesus said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” in Matthew 7:12 (New King James Version).

Do unto others. We’ve heard the command, but how often do we follow it? And how can serving others bring you closer to God?

Caring and serving others is what Jesus did while here on Earth as an example of how God wants us to live. Will people hurt and betray us? Yes. They hurt and betrayed Jesus too. He still reached out and pointed others to God. By feeding and clothing the helpless, we are feeding Jesus’ chosen. Jesus said to Peter after He’d asked him three times if he loved Him, “Feed my sheep.”

Feed my sheep. It is our responsibility to care for others and to be the Lord’s hands and feet. Obedience is key to a closer relationship with God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15 New International Version).

However, this doesn’t mean you need to keep your arms in the fire if you are the victim of abuse. You can forgive others and still distance yourself from toxic relationships. If you need help, please consider speaking with a Christian Counselor who can point you toward living a Christian life with healthy relationships.

5. Seek Out Your Spiritual Gifts

The Bible mentions that each Christian has been given spiritual gifts. Did you know this can mean more than just physical healing and speaking in tongues? Those are two of the primary gifts mentioned in the Bible.

You have also been given discernment, wisdom, faith, knowledge and the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Some of the gifts have to do with your calling. You have the ability to strengthen these skills with certain activities. If you are aware of the spiritual gifts that God has given you, you can focus on aligning those with your purpose and serving others as a means of strengthening your relationship with God.

These are the traits and skills that are natural to you. Do you love to serve others, maybe with home visits or preparing food? Do you naturally take on the role of a teacher? Do you tell others about Jesus Christ on a regular basis?