9 Ways to Draw Near to God and Keep Him Close
Getting closer to God can bring peace, comfort, and purpose to your life. It’s not about doing big things but about small, consistent actions that help you feel God’s presence every day. Here, we’ll go over some ways to get closer to God and keep Him close to your heart.
1. Pray Every Day to Talk to God
Prayer is one of the best ways to talk to God. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” This doesn’t mean you need to be praying all day, but it means keeping a conversation with God going throughout the day. Whether you’re thankful, asking for help, or sharing your worries, make prayer a part of your routine. Think of it like staying in touch with a good friend—God wants to hear from you.
2. Read the Bible to Learn What God Wants for You
To know what God wants for you, it’s important to read His word. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Reading the Bible helps you understand what God is like, His promises, and how He wants us to live. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to read a passage or follow a Bible study plan. The goal is to keep learning and growing closer to God.
3. Have Faith
Having faith means trusting in God even when things are uncertain. It’s about believing in His love, His plan, and His timing. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith helps us stay strong during difficult times, and it brings us closer to God. When we choose to have faith, we invite God into every part of our lives, allowing Him to guide us and provide us with peace.
4. Worship and Praise God to Feel His Presence
Worship is a powerful way to get closer to God. The Bible says in Psalm 100:2, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Whether you’re singing in church, humming in the car, or listening to worship music, these moments bring you closer to God. Worship helps soften your heart and reminds you of His love and greatness.
5. Reflect on God’s Word to Keep Your Mind on Him
Reflecting on Bible verses helps you carry God’s teachings into your daily life. Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.” This means not just reading but really thinking about what it means, maybe even memorizing parts of it. When life gets tough, these verses will guide and strengthen you.
6. Help Others to Show God’s Love
One of the best ways to get closer to God is by helping others. Matthew 25:40 says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Helping others—whether it’s volunteering, doing kind acts, or just listening—shows God’s love in action. It’s not only about helping people; it’s about letting God’s love flow through you.
7. Admit Your Mistakes and Ask for Forgiveness to Stay Close to God
We all make mistakes. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Admitting when we do wrong and asking for God’s forgiveness helps us keep our hearts clean and our relationship with Him strong. It’s about being humble and not letting anything come between you and God.
8. Trust God in All Situations to Grow Your Faith
Trusting God, especially during hard times, helps you get closer to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trusting God means giving Him your worries and believing He has a plan, even when you don’t understand it. It’s during these times of trust that we get the closest to God.
9. Go to Church Regularly to Find Community and Strength
Attending a Bible study at your church helps you grow spiritually. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.” Going to Bible study lets you worship with others, learn from sermons, and be uplifted by the gathering of believers. God wants us to be in a church that helps us stay connected to Him and others.
God Wants You Close
God is always there, waiting for us to come closer. By praying, reading scripture, worshipping, helping others, and trusting Him, we keep our relationship with God strong. Remember, getting closer to God isn’t about being perfect—it’s about building a relationship. He loves you and wants you to know Him more every day. Take the next step today and feel the peace that comes from keeping God close.
