The Bible calls us to do it. As believers, we know that we should pursue a relationship with God, but it’s hard to figure out how. Just to warn you, these tips aren’t easy. The things I’m about to recommend are hard to do. God is worth the hard work you’re about to put in to develop your relationship with Him, I promise. Here are some tips to help guide you through the development of the most important relationship you’ll ever have.
Pray at Least Twice a Day
I often place my relationship with God in the perspective of him being my friend on Earth. If I only spoke to a friend once or twice a month, and it was only when I needed them to do something that benefitted me, I don’t think I would be a very good friend. I’ve been there, where I would only pray when I wanted God to do something for me. The day I started praying daily, in the morning, at night, and casually throughout the day, was the day I felt like the door to my relationship with God was opened. I always find myself saying a short prayer for patience when something annoying is happening, or when something amazing happens, I’ll think, Thank you, God. Prayer doesn’t have to be getting down on your hands and knees for several minutes, it just has to be a quick talk between you and God.
Just to be clear, it’s okay if you don’t pray multiple times a day. This is just a tip for when you want to develop your relationship with God. If praying ever becomes a chore or if it ever feels forced, then it’s okay to take a step back and only pray once a day.
Read the Bible Everyday
I know you’re probably thinking, Hailey, you already told me to pray multiple times a day, and now you expect me to make time to read the Bible every single day? Yes, I am.
Hear me out. Being able to read the Bible is a huge blessing that we often take advantage of. If you’re reading this blog post, I’m going to assume that you live in a country where it’s not illegal to read God’s Word. Not to be upsetting, but people have been put to death for reading the Bible, and so I think it’s the ultimate blessing to be able to read it every day. Even if I do only one plan on the YouVersion Bible App, then I know I’m taking advantage of my greatest blessing. I’m not saying you must read an entire chapter every night to develop your relationship with God, but I think if we all set aside as little as five minutes of the day, we will see growth. It’s also amazing to read the great words that Jesus spoke, and read about the lessons that he taught his followers.
Similarly to my point about praying, if reading the Bible ever becomes a chore or if it ever feels forced, then it’s okay to take a step back and read the Bible when you feel like the Holy Spirit is calling you to.
Cut Out Music That’s Not God-Honoring
Okay, now you’re REALLY asking for a lot. I know I am. Try to stay with me!
Worship is a form of prayer. Singing God-honoring words like “There is no fear now that you haven’t conquered” or “You are my healer, you are the answer, Jesus you are” will help to develop your relationship with God immediately. Here’s a confession, I used to love rap music, like Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne rap music. When I accepted Jesus into my life, I quickly began to realize the toxic words that were being rapped into my ears. I then found musicians like Lecrae, Zauntee, and GAWVI, who genuinely have great music, but they have God-honoring lyrics. You don’t have to listen to old hymns to have God’s Word played into your ears. Spotify has some great playlists of the most popular Christian music, and you’re bound to find at least one band you like. There are many Christian artists that create music that sounds like the music you hear on Top 40 radio, you just have to listen and give it a chance.
Join a Bible Study
Finally! A tip that’s not asking you to change a big part of your life! Community is a huge part of growing your relationship with God. It’s great to have people around you who will support you and will be there for you if you have any questions about God. Click here to find an online Bible Study group!
I know this all seems difficult and I’m telling you to change your life, but the Bible calls us to do these things. It’s not easy, but it will be worth it when you feel joy in your heart and when you feel God’s presence for the first time.