Starting a new life in Christ is exciting, but one of the most common challenges new believers face is learning how to grow close to God. Faith isn’t just about knowing facts or following rules—it’s about relationship. God desires to walk with you daily, to speak to you, and to fill your life with His presence.
This week, we take a look at what it means to build a vibrant, living relationship with God and how to take practical steps to deepen that connection.
God Desires a Relationship with You
One of the most beautiful images in the Bible comes from Revelation 3:20 NKJV, where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Picture this: Jesus is standing outside the door of your heart, patiently knocking, waiting for you to invite Him in. He doesn’t force His way. He waits for your invitation. This is the very essence of relationship—it’s based on love, respect, and freedom.
God doesn’t want you to serve Him out of obligation or fear. He wants to share life with you. He wants your heart, your time, your trust. Our Lord loves each of us with an unshakable love.
Time With God: Making Space for the Divine
Jesus Himself modeled the importance of spending quiet time with the Father. Luke 5:16 NKJV tells us, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Even amid His busy ministry, Jesus prioritized moments of solitude and prayer.
For us, this means making space for God in our lives. It can be tempting to rush through the day without pausing for God’s presence. But when we set aside intentional time—whether five minutes or an hour—to simply be with God, our souls are nourished, and our relationship grows stronger.
What does this look like practically? Maybe it’s reading a passage of Scripture slowly, sitting quietly in prayer, or journaling your thoughts and prayers. Whatever it is, the key is consistency and openness.
Talking to God Honestly: No Filters Needed
Prayer is often misunderstood as a formal ritual with perfect words. But Psalm 62:8 invites us to “pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” God wants you to come as you are—joyful, confused, broken, hopeful. He invites your honest, raw conversations.
Do you sometimes feel like you have to hide your doubts or fears? You don’t. God welcomes your honesty. Think of prayer as talking to a close friend who loves you unconditionally and wants to hear your heart.
Try writing a letter to God, expressing your feelings exactly as they are. You don’t have to edit or polish it—just be real. This kind of prayer can break down walls and deepen your trust in Him.
Hearing God’s Voice: Learning to Listen
God still speaks today. John 10:27 NKJV says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” The more time you spend with God, the better you’ll be able to recognize His voice. He might speak through Scripture, a thought in your mind, a trusted friend’s counsel, or a sudden peace about a decision.
Hearing God isn’t about loud proclamations but quiet nudges that guide and comfort. Sometimes the noise of life drowns out His voice, which is why creating space to listen, through prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible, is vital.
Ask yourself: Are you open to hearing from God? What distractions might be keeping you from listening?
Walking Daily with God: Companionship in Life’s Journey
Building a relationship with God isn’t a once-a-week experience. It’s walking with Him every day, in the big moments and the small ones. Micah 6:8 NKJV reminds us to “walk humbly with your God.”
This means inviting God into your daily routines, decisions, joys, and struggles. When washing dishes, driving to work, or even relaxing at home, try to maintain an awareness of His presence.
What would it look like to have God beside you through every task, every conversation, every challenge? This companionship brings peace and purpose.
Trusting God Fully: Surrendering Control
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Trusting God means surrendering the parts of your life you want to control—your plans, fears, relationships, and future—and believing He is good and has your best interests at heart, even when you don’t see the whole picture.
This can be hard, especially when life is uncertain or painful. But trust grows when we practice surrender daily, inviting Christ into our lives, offering God our worries and choosing to believe His promises over our fears.
Practical Steps to Grow Closer to God
Here are some ways you can nurture your relationship with God this week:
1. Set a regular time to be with God daily – even 5–10 minutes counts.
2. Read a short Bible passage slowly and ask God to speak to you through it.
3. Write an honest prayer, sharing your heart openly.
4. Practice listening by sitting quietly and inviting God’s voice.
5. Invite God into your daily activities, speaking to Him as you go.
6. Memorize Proverbs 3:5–6 to remind yourself to trust Him fully.
Growing in Truth, Strength, & Grace Series
Growing in Truth, Strength, & Grace is a 10-week devotional and discipleship journey created especially for new believers and those returning to faith after a difficult season. Each week focuses on a key theme—from salvation and spiritual growth to prayer, perseverance, and purpose—designed to help you walk with God in a personal and practical way. The series includes weekly devotionals, reflection prompts, Scripture readings, and printable workbooks to support your growth one step at a time.
We’re now in Week 2: Building a Relationship with God, where we explore what it means to know Him personally through prayer, trust, and time in His presence. If you’re looking for a gentle rhythm to deepen your walk with Christ, you can download Week 2 (and Week 1 for free) from my Gumroad shop. Let’s keep growing—together.
Encouragement for Your Journey
Building a relationship with our Heavenly Father is a lifelong journey filled with grace. There will be days when God feels close and others when He seems distant. That’s normal. What matters most is keeping the door open, continuing to knock, and taking small steps each day toward Him.
Remember, our Lord is always eager to be near you. He is patient, loving, and always ready to welcome you with open arms.
Closing Thoughts
This week, commit to growing your relationship with God by spending intentional time with Him, being honest in prayer, listening for His voice, and trusting Him with your heart. Small, consistent steps lead to deep, lasting intimacy with your Creator.
If you’ve never experienced this kind of relationship before, know that it’s available to you right now. Christ is knocking at the door of your heart—will you open it?
God bless,
