I suspect if you’ve been reading my blog posts this week, you are ready for me to move on to another topic. But I have one more post to share about our relationship with God.

If you are in a spiritual dry season, there is something you can do about it. But it must be your choice. You must be intentional about your time with God. So today, I’m going to share some steps and practical ways to do so.

Here are a few areas of spiritual growth that will help you to draw closer to God. Being with Him will indeed make your relationship deeper and richer.

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

My great aunt asked my mom recently, “What are you doing?” My mom’s response, “Studying the Bible.” After a few moments, my aunt said, “I don’t know how to study the Bible.”

Perhaps you are thinking the same thing. So let me share how I study God’s Word. I begin with prayer. I ask God to open my heart and mind to the things He would like to teach me.

Then I read. Whether it’s a book of the Bible I’m going through or a text for something I’m writing, I read what God’s Word says.

The next step is to think about what I’ve read. What does this passage really say? What message is God sharing with the world and with me? If I have a difficult time understanding the passage, I head to my study Bible. I use the NIV Study Bible, but use what you have. Use what makes sense to you.

After I have figured out what the passage is saying, I then figure out how to use it my life. What is the application for this passage? This is the key. God’s Word must change us. We must be transformed (Romans 12:2; James 1:22-25).

That’s it. That is Bible study. And the more we understand Scripture and apply it to our lives, the closer we will become to God.

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

Now you’ve read a lot about prayer on my blog and if you really want to go deeper, just search for prayer. But here are a few things to keep in mind.

Prayer is conversation. Conversation with God. You can have this conversation at any time, any place, for any reason. You can speak to God throughout your day. You don’t need to be in a specific location or approach Him in a specific physical way. Just talk.

Now there may be times when kneeling or standing is appropriate. If that is the case, by all means do so. But don’t allow your location to keep you from praying.

Whether it is audible or silent, you can pray to God at all times.

Just like any other relationship, where there is communication, there is a healthy relationship.

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.

And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God’s commands. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 – NIV)

Keeping God’s Word close to our hearts will guide us through our lives. When we know what is right from wrong, it is much easier to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). We want to please the One who gave so much. And one way to please Him is to have a close relationship with Him.

When we have God’s Words rolling around in our hearts, our minds, and off our tongues, the connection between ourselves and God is much greater. We become closer to Him because of familiarity. We love Him more because we know what He did for us.

These are just a few ways to draw closer to God. James 4:8a (NIV) tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Let’s not neglect our time with God any longer. Let’s make it a priority. Let’s just do it.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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