Getting Closer to God

Do you ever feel depleted? Lacking? Beaten down? Anxious? Worried? Unsettled?

Perhaps it’s a warning sign that you are floating through life without the protection of the Father. Perhaps you need to get closer to God.

When you think of protection, what comes to mind?

A mother hen watching her brood, a sturdy roof during a storm, a familiar place with people you trust? Protection comes in all shapes and sizes.

For me, I feel most protected when my husband is near. Even my most outrageous fears are calmed by his presence. I know he is a human but I know he would do whatever it takes to keep me and the kids safe. I feel safe with my husband.

What is your place of protection that you count on?

Do you ever think of God as our protector?

 

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 41:6

 

When we live life without spending daily intentional time with God, we become worried and anxious, among other negative things.

I have started feeling the worries that come from not leaving them with God. I try to carry the burdens of every day life and I buckle under the weight of it all.

During uncertain times, a daily intake of God’s Word is needed to keep us refueled, refreshed, and reassured.

 

I’m sure you have heard that you need a solid intake of God’s work to be a strong Christian, to live in God’s promises, and to guard yourself against the enemy.

Getting close to God is relatively simple but can actually be hard. We know what to do but for whatever reason we fail to follow through.

 

Lately, my daily intake of scripture, prayer and personal quiet time have been less than perfect. Almost nonexistent at times. My heart has become so full of ugly feelings and thoughts. I know the truths of God but if I don’t practice it, I’m not enjoying the gifts He has for me like peace.

Getting closer to God is a great way to start living in God’s Peace.

 

As I’m being transparent with you, I’m convicted of my lack of connection with God.

I desire to be close to the one that is worthy of a strong relationship. And yet days float by like a used soda bottle in a creek. Not fast, but steady. If I don’t stop myself from floating, I end up in a place far from God. A place where I don’t want to be.

Not only do I desire Him but He desires me. He wants me to close to Him, enjoying the fine things only He can give. God doesn’t want me to wander through life feeling less than safe or less than victorious. He wants us to have peace, true peace.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

James 4:8

 

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to live defeated. I am victorious through Christ, I am loved by Christ and I am confident through Jesus!

 

Here’s how I’m getting closer to God.

1. Ask God’s forgiveness for neglecting to read His Word.

Asking forgiveness opens our heart to the reality of our choices and the related consequences.

Getting in the Word every day is important. Asking forgiveness for this solidifies this in our hearts.

When you ask for forgiveness for this be sure to lay it all out there. If there are other things that bother you, things that you need to confess to God, do it. Let him wipe the slate clean so you can start fresh with a new dedication to God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

 

2. Intentional Time in God’s Word.

Getting in the Bible is one of the best things you can do for your mind and heart.

God speaks to us through His Word. Sitting down with Him every day is vital to becoming stronger Christians.

If you struggle with this set an alarm on your phone for the same time every day, put it on your calendar, or sign up for a Bible reading program via email or an app. Do what it takes to remind yourself to get in His Word.

If you struggle with kids underfoot, start practicing daily quiet time for everyone in the house. This would be 1 hour a day where the kids go to their own space. They can read, play with toys, etc. but they must stay in their rooms. This will give you 1 hour of quiet to read and pray. This quiet time may be hard at first but it’s worth the effort to get this time/habit established.

 

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

Matthew 4:4

 

3. Daily prayer time.

This goes hand in hand with #2.

If you can get some minutes to be quiet with the Lord, prayer comes naturally. Reading the Word and praying seems to be a natural progression of this time alone with God.

Beyond sitting quietly to read and pray, you can pray anytime or anywhere.

If you have a weak moment, pray. If you feel alone, pray. Whatever happens, lift it up to the Lord. Pray without ceasing.

 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

4. Daily quiet time/secluded.

This is mentioned in #2 and #3.

Getting alone is important. Sometimes, however, it’s good to be alone and say nothing. Simply to be still and let God speak to you.

Daily secluded time is important for your spiritual health.

For mamas, this may be a total of 5 minutes but it’s so nice to empty the thoughts in our mind and let God fill them up.

 

    Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 46:10

 

Life can be challenging! Getting closer to God is a great way to let Him take control of your circumstances.

 

What about you? How will you get close to God today?