I’ve been married now for almost two years. That’s not a super long time, but I feel like I know the guy pretty well. Ha! I know him very well! And he knows me better than anyone.
I talk to him everyday, I know what he loves and hates, what’s going on in his life right now, even what his drive-thru order is. But I don’t feel like I can close the book on getting-to-know-him. We have a lifetime of connection that we’re intentionally pursuing together.
The same can be true with God – whether you’ve served him for four days or since you were four, there is still so much waiting on you to discover about how wonderful Jesus is. Our journey with God never ends, so our curiosity and desire to grow with Him shouldn’t end either.
But where do we start?
I was asked this question by someone who’s served God for a while, but wanted direction: “How do I grow in my relationship with God?”
Their humility was inspiring, and checked me on what I was doing to steward that in my own life.
So, I made a simple list to kick-start your growth with God. And if you’ve known Him for what seems like forever, read on! Consider this fuel.
1. Discover Him in the Bible
This is where the history, purpose, and truth of who God is is revealed to humanity. We’ve got to have a firm foundation in spiritual reality that’s discovered in these pages. Jesus made it simple to understand in Matthew 7 that dependance on His words determines the stability of everything in our life.
Jesus is the Word of God [John 1], totally revealed, fulfilled, and manifested to us, so if you want to know God, get to know the Bible!
2. Understand His Intentions
What do you think God thinks about you? If you’re not sure, let me tell you – every thought He’s ever had towards you has been drenched in love and hope for you. The Bible says that God’s desire is for everyone to be saved and to know Him.
He approaches us with love. So my approach to relationship with Him should be the same. When I understand that God wants to know me, I’m a thousand times more motivated to know Him! I know I won’t be met with disappointment or be ignored.
3. Expect His Goodness
This one sounds pretty. But in the middle of hard things, we’ll have the chance to choose to believe that God is who He says He is. And that is — a good God. This is something that I’m learning over and over and over again. Problems in life aren’t the result of a flaw in God. They are an opportunity for me to really see Truth in action when things get tough, and to experience His good nature firsthand.
This is why James said to consider it joy when things come our way, because it tests our faith, therefore makes us mature in what we believe. It produces trust.
I love this excerpt from Brian Johnson’s book, When God Becomes Real:
“My dad [Bill Johnson] ended his message with these words: ‘In heaven there won’t be any pain, confusion, or loss. So I embrace my moment of pain now and give Him praise in the midst of it. That’s an offering I’ll never have a chance to give Him in heaven.”
4. Look for His Involvement
Some people think that God has turned a sand clock upside down and is just hanging out until it’s finished for Him to show back up. Or, that He’s too busy with other people’s issues to answer your prayers. That thought process doesn’t have any hope to it, and also sounds pretty boring! There is evidence of God everywhere. He’s big enough, loving enough, and has such great attention to detail that’s impossible for your life to evade Him.
Psalm 139 in the Passion Translation says this:
“You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and You know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! … Where could I go from Your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face?”
He wants to be involved, He already IS involved, just acknowledge it and let Him lead you.
5. Ask Him Questions
Now that we know He’s involved, wouldn’t you think He’s got something to say about it all? I love asking God what He thinks about stuff. This question is an incredible tool I’ve used to get to know His heart and hear His voice.
You were created with the spiritual instinct to hear God’s voice. With the Holy Spirit living in you and helping you, you’ll learn His voice like a babies learn the voices of their parents. It may take time, but it’s definitely for you.
Job 33:13-15 (NIV): “Why do you complain to God that He responds to no one’s words? For God does speak- now one way, now another- though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds..”
John 10:4, 14 (NIV): “The sheep follow the shepherd because they know His voice… I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
You were created for relationship with God! Growth is natural, a process, and an adventure. Never close the book on getting-to-know Him, and have fun with it!
Let’s stay connected! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @JulieOliverHere.
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