How close are you to God?

[Blain]

This is a good question for any believer. I think far to often we only use God to help us, when we are in trouble or depressed we go to him and we pray and pray and pray for his help for his grace and we ask things of him but what about in the normal or good times?

In fact how much time do we actually spend with him? How much time and effort do we put in getting to know him and connect with him?
How often do we thank him and praise him? and how often do we offer everything to him just so we can know him more?

Perhaps we should really rethink how we use our time with him and how our relationship is with him.
I mean if we are just always asking him for things but never really give him the time of day he so desperately wants with us then we wont know him very well at all will we?

 

[Angela53510]

This is a hard question, because being human, my relationship does tend to change and move, as I am imperfect. But fortunately, my relationship with God is not based on my feelings, indigestion or mood. It is based on God, the perfect rock.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." Psalm 62:1

I think that walking with God is a life time experience. We must have quiet times alone with God. We need to read his word, to memorize it and to meditate on it. I have been memorizing Romans 5. As I add each verse, God seems to speak to me in incredible ways. I know just being with God alone has healed and restored my soul.

But part of being close to God, is also gained in fellowship with other Christians, and that means attending church, small group or youth group, women's meetings and places where the body of Christ is worshiping God together, and learning and growing. We need to be there for each other, so we do not fall into a ditch! (I did that literally this summer when I got thrown from my bike into the ditch, and I am grateful for all the help, meals and caring I have had through this difficult time of breaking my right wrist.)

Finally, being close to God, means being a witness in the world. There is never a time when I feel closer to God, then when I have been able to share the gospel or my testimony with someone. Or even more wonderful, help a person come to a knowledge of the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

So yes, we do need to work on praising and being with God. But we also need to be doing the work God called us to do - caring for our neighbor and sharing the gospel.

 

[breno785au]

Like I've said in another how close are you to God thread, not close enough.

 

[jsr1221]

Not as close as should/want to/can be.

 

[breno785au]

I'd also say being aware of God's presence all day and night is just as important as having quiet time with Him. I know myself God has spoken at all times of the day when I least expected it lol

 

[crossnote]

I'll tell you when the next stinging trial comes my way.
When the last one hit I had to make a phone call to find my way back home

 

[breno785au]

I'll tell you when the next stinging trial comes my way.
When the last one hit I had to make a phone call to find my way back home

Rom 8:16-1716 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(ESV)
mmmmmmmmmmmm! That's some tasty scripture, I think I've posted up a couple of times lately lol suffering has been a focus for me lately, how to deal with it, it's purpose and to stay encouraged through it. Just not taught enough I don't think.

 

[Joidevivre]

What lights my soul is thinking about how close He is to me. Always. Every moment.

 

[elf3]

Not close enough as the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit isn't finished and won't be finished until I see Jesus. And even then I wonder if it will keep going...I hope so...so I can keep growing closer to God for all eternity!

 

[crossnote]

Rom 8:16-1716 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(ESV)
mmmmmmmmmmmm! That's some tasty scripture, I think I've posted up a couple of times lately lol suffering has been a focus for me lately, how to deal with it, it's purpose and to stay encouraged through it. Just not taught enough I don't think.

Well here's one more...

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Hey! In our hearts! That's too close

 

[Pemican]

Being close to God, loving God is the natural outcome of what you have learned and believe about God. You cannot love someone you do not know. The more you advance in your understanding of God through His Word the more your love for God, and gratitude toward God increases.


I have found in my own advance that my prayers have changed from “God give me this, God fix that” to simply thanking Him for all that He does for me day by day. Yes, I pray for specific things for myself and others but it is with the attitude that God is always faithful, He cannot be unfaithful. It’s almost like I don’t even have to ask, I know He’s already on it.


I knew a pastor, (now with the Lord), who always said, “You know you are getting somewhere in the spiritual life when you are actually grateful for the difficulties and suffering that comes into your life. It is another opportunity to “Stand by and watch the deliverance of the Lord”.