Have you ever felt blessed and had things going well in your life, but found yourself feeling like God's presence in your life isn't as strong as you would like it to be.
Like when you hang a picture on the wall but it's not perfectly centered. Yes, the picture is hung but it's just not quite right.
Well, once again that is how I recently found myself feeling. My cup isn't empty but it is not as full as I would like it to be.
If you enjoy this post, you may find these Bible Study blog posts helpful when it comes to reading the bible as a beginner:
- Bible Study Tips for Beginners (from a beginner)
- How to get Consistent with reading the bible
- 5 Steps to a More Consistent Prayer Life
Have you ever asked yourself, when did I drift away from God? How have I gotten so far from God? Then keep reading because this post is for you.
I will be sharing 4 ways to get closer to God. These simple tips on how to gain a closer relationship with God are lessons from the book of James.
4 ways to get closer to God
In your walk with God, you have to continuously take stock of the strength of your relationship with God. Are His words ringing out in your heart throughout my day?
Are you talking to Him regularly about what's happening in your life? If the answer is no.
Then it is time to make some changes in your daily habits to strengthen your relationship with him. James 1:16-18 gives us beautiful insight into things we can do to get closer to God and truly focus on Him.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18 ESV
In the past, the focus of my blog has been to encourage you to read the word of God. Because I know this is the best way to get closer to God.
Although I still think that this is one of the most important things we can do in our pursuits of the Lord.
There are 3 additional areas from James 1:16-18 that will help you get closer to God.
1. Focus on the word.
James 1:18 states that "he brought us forth by the word of truth". If God himself brought us to life with his precious word then it is safe to say this is where we should start in our pursuit to get closer to God.
We need to not only read his word but study. Study as if you were preparing for a big test at school.
You need to do more than passively read the word if you want to get to know God. You need to study the word and seek to understand the beautiful truth within the bible.
You will be surprised at how God will reveal his wisdom. You can re-read the same passage and get a different understanding each time.
2. Focus on the goodness of God.
James 1:17 says that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above". One of the principles of prayer is thankfulness. Colossians 4:2 states to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Focusing on God's goodness should not just a practice during prayer. But something you do during your personal time with God.
Creating a grateful heart that recognizes that all you have is from God. Believing that your life would be empty without the presence of God.
3. Focus on the faithfulness of God.
James 1:17 says "with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." God is an unchanging God. Unlike us, God does not waver.
He stands firm and delivers on His promises. Daniel 9:4 says “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments."
There is no question of God's faithfulness. The surest example of God's faithfulness is in the lives of his people.
When you look at your life and the circumstances God has brought you through. Isn't it a testament to his faithfulness? In just how constant and unchanging God is.
4. Focus on God's perspective.
James 1:18 says "that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." This one was the biggest lesson in believing that we are God's precious creations.
First fruits are the cream of the crop, the best you have to offer. You are His best, his beloved creation.
If you need a reminder of who God says you are, order your Who God says I am scripture, affirmation, and prayer card set today. This set was created to help you memorize and affirm to yourself daily 16 beautiful verses on who God says you are.
If you enjoy this post be sure to watch the Tony Evans sermon on the Protection of Prayer where he outlines how James 1:16-18 helps us overcome the temptation of sin.
Bible Study Resources
- Bible, The Jesus Bible Leathersoft
- Gel Bible Highlighters Assorted Colors
- Study Bible, The ESV Study Bible
I hope that this post has encouraged you to bible study because you don't need to be an expert! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won't cost you anything)! Thank you so much for your support as this helps me afford the expenses of my online ministry read my disclosure policy.
