Have you ever tried to get closer to God by doing good works? Maybe you’re always at church, serving in children’s ministry, giving help to the homeless. Perhaps you’re the one that everyone calls when they need some help since they know you will drop everything and come to their rescue. You think these things should make you feel close to God, but you don’t. And so you wonder . . . how do I get closer to God spiritually?
Thankfully, it’s not works that get you close to God. We all mess up so often! Think about other relationships in your life. You don’t get close to someone just by doing things for them. You get close by spending time with them and learning about them. That’s how it is with God.
The Importance of Growing Closer to God
Growing in our relationship with God is vital in the life of a Christian. If we don’t have that relationship, then our faith is in danger of being a dead faith or just based on our own works. In John 15, Jesus is described as a vine while we are the branches. A branch can’t live unless it’s attached to the vine, and it certainly can’t produce any fruit. We can grow closer to God by being attached.
Bible verses about drawing near to God
There are numerous Bible verses about drawing near to God. In fact, my ladies’ Bible study was just talking about one today. This is a fairly common one.
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 ESV
When we draw near to God, He will draw near to you. It’s always you going away from God. He is always waiting.
Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
You have to call on Him in order for Him to be near you. How do we need to call on Him? In truth. This is a great Bible verse about drawing near to God.
Psalm 73:28
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28
How amazing it is to be near to God! He truly is our refuge and strength. As you get closer to God spiritually, you will have wonderfully works to share.
Malachi 3:7
“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’” Malachi 3:7
Sin is what separates you from God. You can’t get closer to God spiritually when you are living against His commands. You can’t draw near to God unless you ask for His forgiveness. The great news is that He will have compassion and forgive you.
Hebrews 10:19-22
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22
There are several verses in the book of Hebrews that are great reminders that God wants you to be close to Him, and this is one of them. He loves you and wants to be in relationship with you. Isn’t that amazing? Because of Jesus, you can now come directly to God. We have been made clean.
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
It’s impossible to draw near to God without believing in Him. To do that, you must have faith, for without faith you can’t possibly please Him. By seeking Him, you will be rewarded.
Benefits of drawing near to God
There are many benefits of drawing near to God. As we grow closer to God spiritually, we learn and grow. We turn more and more to God and away from the things of this world. Check out some of these benefits below. Which one means the most to you?
- God will draw near to you. See James 4:8 above.
- You will learn God’s voice.
- You learn who God really is.
- Spiritual fruit is produced in your life.
- God will give you the hope, strength, peace, and help that you need.
- You turn away from the things of this world.
- You receive God’s blessings.
- You learn wisdom from God.
- God will give you everything that you need.
- You learn to trust Him, even in the hard times.
How to Get Closer to God Spiritually
Okay, let’s get down to how to get closer to God. While there is no exact formula for drawing closer to God, some of these definitely must be done in order for you to grow spiritually. We won’t get closer simply by wanting to. We actually need to do our part. Have you found other things that help you get closer to God?
Get closer to God by praying
Prayer is an important part of getting closer to God. There can be no relationship-building between you and God without communication, and prayer is how we communicate with God. Tell Him your joys, praise Him, and come to Him with your anxieties and fears. He wants to hear from you. Look for ways to deepen your prayer life.
Get closer to God by reading the Bible
Reading the Bible is another extremely important way to draw closer to God spiritually. In fact, daily Bible reading has many benefits besides growing closer to God. By reading the Bible, you learn about God’s plan through history, learn about His character, learn how He wants you to live, and gain strength and encouragement. You learn what God loves and what He hates. It’s important to really get to know God if you want to grow closer to Him.
Get closer to God by confessing sin
If you didn’t notice in the Bible verses about drawing near to God, several of them mention that drawing near is contingent on repenting and turning away from our sin. If we don’t ask God for forgiveness, sin becomes a wall between us and God. In fact, if we blatantly sin, God doesn’t hear our prayers. Make it a practice to evaluate your life and confess your sins.
The printable Bible Study Journal has all the tools you need to dig into God’s Word, grow in prayer, and make spiritual goals.
Get closer to God by going to church
The main reason many people go to church is to get closer to God according to Pew Research. I do understand that there are times when you may not be able to go to church, so know that you can still be close to God during these times. However, Christian fellowship and sitting under the preaching of God’s Word can really go a long way in helping us grow closer to God.
Get closer to God by taking time to be still
In our culture today we tend to let ourselves get too busy. What if you were to get rid of the things that don’t matter and slow down? By taking time to be still for a longer period of time, you open yourself up to being in a space where you can hear from God. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know He is God. By being still before the Lord, you can grow closer to Him.
Get closer to God by listening to worship music
There’s no doubt about it, music can be powerful. What more powerful music is there than that which points us to God? Now, I understand that not all people are moved by music equally, but it can be an amazing tool to draw you closer to God. Worship music can be all types, but you do want to make sure that what you’re listening to is actually Biblical. Music can talk about doctrines of the Bible, God’s character, and sinful man. Christian songs can remind us that we are nothing without Jesus. Try listening to worship music to get closer to God.
Prayer to Get Closer to God
Now that you’ve learned of some ways to get closer to God spiritually, why don’t you pray right now and ask God to help you? He longs to hear from you. He longs to be close to you.
“Dear Lord, I’m sorry that I have allowed myself to become distant from You. I see now that You want to be close to me. Please forgive me of any sin that’s standing between You and me. Give me a desire to spend time reading Your Word and praying to You each day. I want to draw near to You with confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I’m praying that you are inspired to draw closer to God. If you have found other ways to get closer to God spiritually, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Which of these do you need to get started on today?
You may also like:
- 7 Tips for Spending Time With God
- 25 Excellent Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily
- How to Deepen Your Prayer Life: 5 Simple Tips
