Sometimes, when we hear “grow your relationship with God” we think in extremes and immediately go to “I have to take a vow of silence and do nothing but read the Bible and pray all day. ” This line of thought makes things seems overwhelming, which then discourages us from taking any steps at all in the right direction.
Growing closer to God isn’t drudgery! While we don’t want to lose sight of the holiness of God, we can have fun and enjoy ourselves in the process. And let’s face it, when something is fun, we tend to do more of it.
That’s one of the reasons I created this ministry. I am personally striving to grow closer to God every single day and I feel called to help others do the same. Planted in Faith gives me a fun and creative way to do both.
Gardening has always been a hobby of mine. I love to grow things – flowers, vegetables, trees, herbs, it doesn’t matter. I love the whole process. So using a gardening-inspired theme throughout my writings is fun for me (and hopefully you too!). It helps keep me motivated and on track.
Plus, God is the ultimate Master Gardener! He nurtures us and helps us grow. The concept of planting seeds and growth, both literally and metaphorically, is woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of cultivating and nurturing various aspects of life.
Building a stronger relationship with God is a lifelong journey, and we never fully reach the destination. Whether you are a new Christian or a long-time believer, there is always further to go. But don’t let that discourage you. Taking this journey is probably the most rewarding thing we can ever do.
With that being said, here are ten practical tips to help you on your journey to grow your relationship with God:
- Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is the most important way we can communicate with God. Whether you’re thanking Him for your blessings, asking for guidance, or seeking forgiveness, make prayer a daily habit. You don’t have to use fancy words or follow a specific formula; just talk to God as you would to a friend.
- Read the Bible Regularly: The Bible is God’s Word, and it’s the primary way He communicates with us. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have been reading it for years, make it a priority to read it regularly. You can start by reading a chapter a day or using a Bible reading plan.
- Attend Church: Church is a great place to connect with other believers and learn more about God. Find a church that aligns with your beliefs and attend regularly. Don’t be afraid to get involved in a small group or Bible study to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Serve Others: Jesus set an example of serving others, and we can follow in His footsteps by helping those in need. Find ways to serve in your church or community, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, visiting the sick, or mentoring a young person.
- Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is an essential part of building a stronger relationship with God. Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and thank God for them. Even in difficult times, there is always something to be grateful for.
- Seek Fellowship: Connecting with other believers can help you stay accountable and encourage you on your spiritual journey. Find a mentor or join a prayer group to build relationships with others who share your faith.
- Practice Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and actions, and ask God to reveal areas where you need to grow. Journaling is a great way to record your thoughts and reflect on your spiritual journey.
- Embrace God’s Love: God loves us unconditionally, and we can’t earn His love through our actions or good deeds. Embrace His love and grace, and remember that He is always with us, even in difficult times.
- Trust God: Trusting God can be difficult, especially when we don’t understand why things are happening. Remember that God has a plan for our lives, and His ways are higher than our ways. Trust in His goodness and His faithfulness, even when things are hard.
- Be Patient: Building a stronger relationship with God takes time, so be patient with yourself and with God. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep showing up and making an effort, and trust that God is at work in your life.
Growing a stronger relationship with God is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality and effort. But the rewards are immeasurable.
I’ve created a printable this list of these 10 Tips to Grow Your Relationship with God. Print it out and post where you’ll see it often to serve as a reminder to keep moving forward in your journey.
