Steps to Knowing God Better
Someone asked me the other day what I would say were good steps to Knowing God better. So, these are some of my thoughts. :D
Time with Him........Yes, devotion time is needed and is good, but time listening is what we need. Many times we talk, talk, talk, ask, ask, ask, and then pray, pray, pray, only to go about our day without hearing what God has to say.
What if you did that with your spouse or best friend? How long do you suppose they would consider you a good friend if you never heard what they had to say?
Relationship implies there is more than one person....it takes two!! Communication is essential; it's key. So, yes, we are to communicate with Him, but we are to receive that from Him, as well.
How? Well, He speaks to us. The scriptures clearly state we will know His voice. (John 10:2) He speaks to us through those Holy Scriptures, which are so rich with answers and wisdom, if we'd but partake. They are His written voice!
They help us know Him better and build our faith. Romans 10:17 - So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Ex: First, hear the word, get it inside your heart, then, faith will come (be built).
Sometimes he will speak to you through someone or something, a song, a moment....even a quiet breeze on a fall day. He is everywhere, including with and in you, if you have allowed Him entry. He longs to live every moment with you. He's waiting, give Him your all....all of you.
Joy........"The joy of the Lord will be my strength. He will uphold me all of my days. For, I am surrounded by mercy and grace, and the joy of the Lord is my strength." These are a few lines of one of my favorite songs. They speak so much truth.
The joy of the Lord is a precious gift. It is a supreme satisfaction that permeates your entire being when you truly, unequivocally embrace who you are in Christ! When you know to the depths of your soul that the Lord Jesus is your King, Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Creator.... when you know that His love for you is endless, that you are right now, in this very moment, eternally His....when you are captivated and in awe of His majesty, love, grace, brilliance, kindness, righteousness, gentleness and all-consuming love and power... Then, there is a joy that never leaves. it makes you want to dance with Him and for Him, to kneel at His feet, to shout his name, to learn all His ways and to care for all His sheep.
This joy is like a beautiful oasis in the midst of a barren desert. Or a warm cozy fire on a cold, winter's night. It's an enveloping protection that is very freeing in the security that it brings. To me, it's another facet of His love.
How do you connect with God the best? It sounds like a funny question, but oftentimes people 'hang out' with Him in vary different ways. In Genesis, it says they strolled the gardens together.
I know many people, myself included, who feel very near to God when they spend time in nature. From a simple walk in the park, to a nature hike or sitting on a log inhaling the smells of the forest, these are great places to commune with Him.
In song....this is by far my favorite. It is definitely my heart. I love to worship and praise the Lord in song. I could very literally 'sing of His love forever.' I love to sing to Him. The Word states He inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22:13). I so believe that. For me, worship literally ushers me into His presence. While I am singing, I close my eyes and I am with Him, singing directly to Him. It is very intimate and personal, like a deep heart to heart. Oftentimes, I will be led to pray or will 'hear' or get clarity on something from Him. It's totally an awesome way to spend time with God.
Creating and working are another way to spend time with Him. I know several people who feel closer to him when they are working and creating. There are many others as well, prayer time, devotional, dance, etc. The key is to find yours. Like anything else, ask Him to help you. He will, believe me, because He wants to spend time with you.
Prayer, wow, this is such a BIG six-letter word. For most people, hearing 'prayer' or pray conjures up long-winded, flowery, boring speeches by know-it-all Christians who seem to talk in circles.
Please don't let that be your definition of this most powerful tool and spiritual weapon.
Yes, we can recite a pre-written prayer from a prayer book pertaining to a certain subject if we need to; there's nothing wrong with that, if it's heartfelt. In fact, "The Power of a Praying Wife," has some fantastic prayers that I have availed myself of.
But, prayer is so much more!
It's communicating with the Most High! Sharing with your Saviour! Confiding in the Holy Spirit! It's Petitioning, It's sharing your gratefulness. His word tells us to give Him all our cares and worries, because He cares for us. (1 Pet 5:7) To come to Him without fear, but with boldness, and that we are welcome in His presence. (Eph 3:12 & Heb 4:16) And remember....
Often, my prayers are specific and a request for help or protection. But, my favorite is the continual dialogue all through out the day. it's so relational. Just chatting about what I'm feeling or thinking or how the day is going so far. Asking how I'm doing on a project, if He has anything He needs me to do, how should I handle a situation, etc. Just staying in touch with Him....I love it!
Ok, so that is probably more than you were looking for, but it is a few of my thoughts on truly getting to know your God, rather than just knowing 'about' Him. They are two vastly different things and the distinction is one that has the power to forever change your life.
~kathy