How to Build a Relationship with God (Part 2)

How are you doing with building your relationship with God?

Aren’t you glad it’s not as hard as it sounds?

Thank God, that He just wants a relationship with us.

All we have to do to start building our relationship is believe. Remember that John 3:16 tells us this.

We also have to remember that Jesus loves us and only He makes us righteous.

Just knowing that building our relationship with God is that easy, should bring peace to our weary souls.

I’ve been a believer for over 20 years, and my commitment to my relationship with God has been up and down. On my part, of course.

I never stopped believing He is who He said He is.

It was just those times when I felt things didn’t go my way, my faith wavered, at times.

That was because I didn’t know Him like I thought I did.

It’s important that we get to know God.

We should know that He is good, even when things don’t go our way.

He is fair and just, no matter what we feel.

The God of the Universe doesn’t owe us anything, but He freely gives us grace.

You want wisdom? He gives it freely, when we ask for it.

All these things we learn when we take the time to get to know Him.

Even though I can always get better at it, this is how I continue to build my relationship with God.

#1 – I Read My Bible

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

The best way to get to know God is by reading His Word.

Yes, there were men who wrote the Bible, but they were inspired by God.

I really believe that we can be so curious about God that when we come to Him, He is ready and willing to guide us.

That is why I choose to believe the Bible is God’s communication with us.

For so long, I’ve heard preachers and pastors say that you have to read the Bible for yourself.

When I finally took this advice seriously, it opened the pathway to building my relationship with God.

I began learning who Jesus is for myself, and there’s nothing like knowing Jesus for yourself.

Putting in the effort to get to know Him is worth more than anything I could ever value in life.

Reading my Bible has allowed me to get to know about Jesus’ ministry, and how the ministry of the Son of God, changed the lives of Paul and so many others.

I learned that I could truly relate to Peter and his repentant spirit.

When Jesus restored Peter after he denied Jesus, on the day that Jesus was crucified, I found myself relating to him even more.

How many times have I denied Jesus? How many times has He restored me?

Too many to count.

Reading my Bible has truly been life changing.

The care that Jesus shows the poor, sick, and marginalized lets me know that He loves me more than I could ever know.

Why wouldn’t I want to continue to strengthen my relationship with Him?

#2 – I Pray

1 Thessalonians 5: 17 …pray continually, (NIV)

Did you know that you can talk to God all day? Really.

He’s listening.

He wants to hear from us. Everything about us and what we’re going through, we can share with Him.

Of course, He already knows, but He still wants to hear from us.

It’s just about spending time with us. Isn’t that what relationship is about?

Time?

I can always get better at prayer.

Not necessarily the practice of prayer – well, I take that back. I can get better with the practice of prayer too.

But, in this section, I’m talking about getting better by taking time.

I mean literally stopping and talking with Him…and listening for Him.

He doesn’t always respond in that moment, but as long as I stay alert I get answers. Many times in ways I don’t expect.

Sometimes, I write my prayers out. I feel like writing is a way for me to have the opportunity to revisit prayers and to see where God has answered prayers.

The Bible says that we should pray without ceasing…without stopping…keep praying – continually.

Whether it’s writing, speaking or thinking, God sees and hears all. 

There are times when I can go through my day without ever acknowledging that He’s with me.

On those days, I feel helpless and overwhelmed.

But the days that I communicate constantly – which, sometimes are not consistent enough – I do feel that I am more at peace even when my circumstances feel like they’re more than I can handle.

#3 – I have quiet time

Quiet time – oh, how I love it, but I just don’t get enough of it.

Our lives are so busy and we’re constantly on the go. 

How could God ever speak to me when I have so much of my attention taken by other things?

Man, when I sit and just allow the quiet to surround me, I have such a pleasant time with God. 

I set my timer, and usually when the time is almost up is when I actually start to feel that I’m in His presence. 

There’s so much that I have to wade through to get to Him, but He’s there – He’s always there.

Hallelujah!

Taking time to be quiet before God, allows Him to see that we’re serious about our relationship with Him. 

Remember this is all free will. If we’re too busy, it’s us not choosing to spend time with Him.

It’s me, not choosing to spend time with Him.

When everything else comes before my quiet time, I’m telling God that I have better things to do. 

That hurt my heart and convicted me as I wrote those words. 

I’m not saying that we have to be quiet every second of the day. Of course, that would be irresponsible. 

What I am saying is when do, we make time that is set aside for Him alone.

My planner has so many other things scheduled in it. Why don’t I have that time scheduled for God?

He’s the most important part of my day. 

Therefore, time with the Lord should be the first thing that I schedule.

Now, that is my goal. It’s time to make Jesus priority.

Conclusion

Again, building our relationship takes time, but it also takes patience.

As a believer, we should want to hear from God and spend time with Him.

I know that I want to hear from Him. 

But, I have to take the time out to give the Lord time to speak with me.

It’s up to me to give Him the time and what He decides to do with it, well, I’m at His mercy.

Thank You Lord, for Your mercy! – And Your Grace!

It’s hard to talk about God and think of His goodness, and not praise Him.

Jesus is so worthy of our praise!

He’s not looking for money or possessions. All God wants is our time.

How can you make time for Him today?

How can you start building your relationship with Him?

You won’t regret making time for Him or with Him.

I’ll be honest, you may not feel that you encountered Him in the beginning.

But keep showing up.

Continue to seek Him, He’ll be there. 

Share with me in the comments how you’re building your relationship with Him.

I look forward to hearing from you!

God bless!

Aisha