5 Simple Ways to Go Deeper with the Lord
Have you ever felt that indescribable tug pulling you closer to God’s hand? Maybe you’re just starting out and you don’t know where to begin. Or maybe you’ve been God fearing your whole life, but now you’re ready to really live for Him, fully and wholeheartedly.
Wherever you’re starting from, here are five simple, yet life changing tips to help you draw closer and lock in with the Lord.
- Read Your Bible
I know, I know…you’ve probably heard this one a hundred times. But friends, this is solid advice. The Holy Bible is the living Word of God. It’s sharper than a two edged sword!
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even, to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The Bible gives you the chance to read God’s word for yourself, to understand His ways, and to see how He has shown up in the lives of countless people. You’ll read about the creation of life, God’s plan for salvation, heroes of the faith, prophets who spoke His truth, kings who ruled over His chosen people, and the ultimate King of Kings who came to establish the Kingdom of Heaven
I once heard someone say the Bible is a love story, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a book written for broken people by a Creator devoted to loving them back to life. So I beg you, friend, read your Bible. Start small if you need to, a few verses a day, or a short devotional. There are so many study guides, apps, and resources to help you dig deeper, Here are a few that have helped me:
2. Pray-Often
Yes, you’ve probably heard this one too, but I can’t skip it. Prayer is how we communicate with God, and it’s also one way He speaks back to us.
One of my favorite ways to remember how to pray is this simple acronym: P.R.A.Y.
Praise: Thank God for who He is and all He has done.
Repent: Confess your sins and where you’ve fallen short.
Ask: Bring your needs and the needs of others before Him.
Yield: Surrender your will to His. His plan over yours, every time.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6
And of course, we have the beautiful example of The Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus Himself teaches us how to pray, in Matthew 6:5-15.
3. Imagine Jesus Sitting Next to You
This may sound a bit simple or maybe a bit abstract, but it really helped me. When I started walking deeper with the Lord, I’d imagine Jesus was right beside me everywhere I went.
How do you think that changed things? The way I spoke, the way I thought, the way I spoke about myself and others, even the things I watched and listened to. The way I parent my children, love my husband, and experience daily life, all began to shift when I imagined Jesus sitting at my kitchen table with me.
But here’s the real kicker: it’s not imaginary at all. He is with you. The Lord is alive and present. He sees and hears it all. Now, this isn’t meant to put any heavy or strange pressure on you, please don’t feel like you’re living under a prison warden’s watch, that’s not what this is about. This is about the presence of the Lord being with you at all times. As you grow more aware of His presence, your actions and choices will naturally begin to reflect His heart.
4. Love God’s People
It’s nearly impossible to walk closely with God if you don’t have a heart for His people. In fact, it is impossible. You cannot receive the love and goodness of God and keep it all to yourself, we are commanded to love others.
“Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39
Take a moment to reflect: How do you treat people? How are you showing up for people in life? Do you extend empathy when someone is in need? Do you truly care for others?
5. Find Community
Being surrounded by like-minded people will truly help you grow in you walk with the Lord. God actually calls us to be in community, it’s His design for us.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20
I know building community can feel hard in the beginning. Maybe you’re shy, or unsure where to start, but you don’t have to throw yourself into every group or rush to have dozens of people around you. Take your time, and pray. Ask God to lead you to the right people who will help strengthen your faith and walk alongside you.
And how amazing is it that we have the internet? You can connect with a Christ centered community in so many ways, through your local church, Bible study groups, online fellowships, or right here at your favorite Blog website. Whether you’re part of a social media group, a e-church member or a reader here on my blog, take a step to reach out. Drop a comment below and say hi, I’d love to hear your heart and stand with you in prayer if you need it!