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 have beautifully captured the essence of cultivating a close relationship with the Lord.
Here are some of my proven practices that I share with fellow believers in the comments section:
Meditation on God's Word: In addition to reading the Bible, it can be beneficial to spend time meditating on specific verses. I have a practice of selecting one verse each day and reflecting on it throughout the day (Joshua 1:8, KJV).
Serving Others: Engaging in service to others can be a meaningful way to deepen your relationship with God. Contributing to your community or church can provide new perspectives and strengthen your faith. Informal discussions, friendships, and camaraderie also play a significant role in shaping one's character and maturity as a Christian (Galatians 5:13, KJV).
Spiritual Reading: In addition to the Bible, reading books by Christian authors that emphasize spiritual growth and fostering a personal relationship with God can be enriching. (Proverbs 4:7, KJV)
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)
Participating in spiritual exercises or retreats can offer profound spiritual experiences and enhance your relationship with God. (Psalm 46:10, KJV)
For me, the Bible is essential, as comprehending its content from a holistic perspective facilitates practical application and fosters community, particularly for those who need to hear its teachings. I believe that fellowship, community engagement, Bible study groups, and supportive friendships are vital in cultivating a relationship with the Triune God. We must also remember that suffering can shape and strengthen us. Let us be ready to demonstrate our faith as Christians when the time arises.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Lubomir Lakatos, DSc.