Tips on building a relationship with God

Early in my young adult years, I did not know how to relate to God. After all, I couldn’t physically see Him, I could not touch or hug Him, or spend time with Him like I did with my family and friends. But I also was not reading my Bible or communicating with Him. Later on in life, I learned that you actually have a relationship with God much in the same way you would have a relationship with a person you can see and touch. Here are some tips based off what I’ve learned:

1. Take time to understand who God is:

Currently I’m in a Bible study that is discussing the Love Languages book for singles. When you speak someone’s love language, you’re basically letting them know that you love them. This is important to the other person, because if you don’t know how to make them feel loved they won’t feel loved. In a similar way, you need to understand what God wants from you by reading the Bible regularly. Learn from examples of men and women throughout the Bible what pleases God and what shows God that you love Him. Which brings me to my next point

2. Put God first:  

There is a common theme of putting God first in your life all throughout the Bible. From mothers and fathers dedicating their firstborn children to God in the Old Testament, to Paul wholly dedicating his life to God after his conversion – putting God first is necessary in order to take your relationship to the next level. The easiest way to do this is to get in the habit of thinking “What would God have me do/say/think in this situation”. You can refer to your Bible if you need to.

3. Spend time with Him before you start your day:

This was hard for me since I liked to stay up late and night and sleep late into the morning. But I’ve discovered that I am a lot more stable throughout the day – even if it is a terrible day – if I spend time with God before I leave the house, and before I start to do anything else. Figure out how much time you need – from a few minutes to a few hours – then focus on spending time with Him. When you do, ask Him what He needs you to do for the day and ask Him for guidance. Talk to Him. You can also read your Bible, listen to your favorite praise song and pray. Whatever works for you – as long as you get this time in with Him before you start your day.

4. Pray:

The Bible says to pray about everything. You can pray lying down, standing up, kneeling. In your house, car, at work, anywhere. Constant prayer will remind you that God is there and that He’s waiting to not only be a part of your life but to direct it and shape it into what He originally planned it to be.

5. Don’t allow sin to distance you from God:

It’s inevitable that you will sin and make mistakes. But sin often results from doing what you want instead of what God wants. When you allow it to go unchecked and to grow, it will distance you from God. But God is always waiting for you to turn back to Him. Repent and ask God for forgiveness and don’t allow sin to come between you.