It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’m working on being more consistent, so hang in there with me – we’ll get there. Today, I want to share some of my thoughts about really getting to know God. I feel like this topic isn’t often discussed when people talk about becoming a Christian or when you give your life to Christ. It’s such a foundational topic, so I figured I’d take some time to address it.
It’s important to recognize that becoming a true Christian is about developing a real relationship with God. It’s about more than just going to church every Sunday and saying your prayers – although these are both good and important things.
But how do we get to know God? It’s much more simple than you might think.
I hope you’re aware that God wants you to know Him. He wants to develop the most loving and personal relationship with you. One where you know Him and hear his voice, whether out loud or in your spirit. Knowing God personally is possible for every one of us, so how do we do it?
One of the easiest ways is to start reading your Bible. I know, lots of people think that’s boring or old-fashioned, but the Bible is God’s instruction manual for life on earth. It’s also one of the absolute best ways to get to know God. The trick is not to read it like you’re reading some dry book about stuff that happened a long time ago. Read it with a mind that says this is showing me who God is. These are the things that God did back then, but it’s also how God works and these are the things He will still do today. These are His promises to me. This is also guidance for the future because you know there is prophecy in the Bible too.
When you take this approach, you will find that He speaks to your heart while you read and you’ll get to know and understand Him better. Find a good translation of the Bible and that will help a lot if you’re having trouble understanding the language. Start at the beginning and read through to the end. Read a chapter or two a day. You can also find a Bible reading plan, daily devotional, or choose a subject you want to know more about and start studying those scriptures.
Of course, prayer brings us closer to a true relationship with the Father. Most of us know that prayer is talking to God, making our requests known to Him, but it is also giving thanks, repentance, and acknowledging His greatness and His goodness towards us. It’s a way to unburden ourselves when life gets heavy and we are troubled or concerned about things. Prayer creates a way for us to know when God has heard us. After all, how can we know when He is answering, if we haven’t spoken to or asked anything of Him? Answered prayers are great builders of our belief and hope in God. We have no greater faith than when we know that He has answered our prayers!
Another easy thing to do is start listening to good preachers and teachers of God. I know this isn’t everyone’s thing, but I have grown the most in my walk with God by listening to great teachings about Him. You can do this by going to church, but you can also listen to online services, teaching, and preaching through YouTube, radio, podcasts, and social media. It’s most encouraging when you’re going through something and you hear God speaking to you through a message that you’re listening to. When you pray and put your listening ears on, many times God will speak to you through the preaching of his word.
Without a doubt, there are more ways that we can develop a closer relationship with God. Through the reading and study of Christian books, taking spiritual education courses, being a part of Bible study groups, and more. These are some of the ways He transforms us more into His likeness. They require a willingness to make room to get to know God. Know that He wants a true relationship with you. One where He speaks to you regularly and guides you on a path of true purpose and understanding of His love.
If you do these things, you will develop a real relationship with God, one where you become more like Him. You won’t just attend church to check a box. You won’t just pray because they said we should pray. You will truly know Him and He will say that he knows your name. Let us be the light and the hope of the world – because we KNOW that God is REAL – and He cares for us!