Walking Closely with the Lord
Building a close relationship with the Lord is about spending time with Him and letting Him work in your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just take it one step at a time.
Start by setting aside some quiet time each day to read the Bible. Find a comfortable spot where you won’t be distracted. Before you begin, say a simple prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Take your time as you read. There’s no need to rush. Think about what the verses mean and how they relate to your life.
It’s not just about reading, though. Try to live out what you’ve learnt. Let God’s Word guide your choices and actions. As you do this, keep talking to Him. Share your thoughts, worries and joys whatever is on your heart. The more you talk to Him, the closer you’ll feel.
Worship is another way to grow closer to God. It doesn’t have to be limited to church services. You can worship Him in your own way through singing, giving thanks, or simply spending time thinking about His goodness.
It’s also helpful to spend time with other Christians. Join a home cell group or talk about what you’re learning with friends. Sharing with others can really encourage you and help you grow.
You might find it helpful to keep a journal. Writing down what God is teaching you can be a great way to look back and see how much He has done in your life.
Most importantly, trust Him. Trust His plans, even when things don’t make sense. The more time you spend with God, the closer you’ll feel to Him, and His Word will guide and strengthen you every step of the way.
Hello, brother in Christ!
John Chua, you have thoughtfully reflected on the article you wrote and beautifully captured the essence of building a close relationship with the Lord.
Here are some of my proven practices that I share with fellow believers in the comments:
1. Meditation on God's Word: Besides reading the Bible, it can be helpful to spend time meditating on specific verses. I have a practice of choosing one verse for the day and reflecting on it throughout the day. (Joshua 1:8, KJV)
2. Serving Others: Engaging in service to others can be another way to deepen your relationship with God. Helping in the community or church can bring new perspectives and strengthen your faith. Informal discussions, friendships, and camaraderie also shape one's personality and maturity as a Christian. (Galatians 5:13, KJV)
3. Spiritual Reading: In addition to the Bible, it can be enriching to read books by Christian authors that focus on spiritual growth and a personal relationship with God. (Proverbs 4:7, KJV)
4. Prayer Partnership: Finding a prayer partner with whom you can regularly pray and share your spiritual experiences can be very encouraging and strengthening. (Matthew 18:20, KJV)
5. Spiritual Exercises: Participating in spiritual exercises or retreats can provide deeper spiritual experiences and help you deepen your relationship with God. (Psalm 46:10, KJV)
For me, the Bible is crucial, understanding its content from a holistic perspective for practical application, and encouraging the community, especially those who need to hear biblical words. I believe that fellowship, community, Bible study groups, and a good friend help build a relationship with the Triune God. Let us not forget that suffering also shapes us and strengthens us. Let us be prepared to prove that we are Christians when the time comes.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Lubomir LAKATOS, DSc.