The Surprising Way to Grow Closer to God
Do you know the “insider secret” of growing closer to God?
You already know from Scriptures that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. You read the Bible and meditate on His words to hear His voice speaking through them. You take quiet walks outdoors to escape the busyness of the day and focus on adoring the Lord in His creation. You count your blessings from Him as you drift off to sleep at night. You know that He is always with you—just a prayer-breath away.
These “alone times” with God help build your vertical relationship with Him. But there’s also a horizontal dimension. Surprisingly, we become closer to our Heavenly Father by joining in fellowship with other believers—in His church.
Being physically present in the body of Christ is essential to our connection with Him. We experience His presence in corporate worship through prayer, reading His word, hearing His truth taught, praising Him in music, and offering Him our monetary gifts.
Our faith is sharpened in our interaction with other mature Christians. As we serve alongside them, we receive the joy of the Holy Spirit. And it’s not just a self-centered investment of our time—our presence builds up others in the body as well, adding to their joy and spiritual growth. Your impact is important to God’s kingdom!
Unfortunately, many Christians abandoned the habit of church attendance during the pandemic. Church on the Internet or TV is still a valuable option for shut-ins, but watching a flat screen just isn’t the same. If you can, make the effort to be surrounded by God’s people, whether in a home or sanctuary, so that your spiritual life will flourish. Remember that many persecuted Christians in restricted countries do not have the same privilege of meeting together.
For my part, I love to be with God’s people on the Sabbath. My husband and I have worshiped in tiny groups on the beach, atop mountain ski slopes, and inside ocean-going ships. We’ve praised Him in large churches in the U.S. and around the world. We are blessed to regularly attend our home church. Wherever we find fellow believers worshiping God in spirit and in truth, our Lord has drawn us closer to Him and closer to each other.
You, as a Christ-follower, have the extraordinary opportunity of sharing a vibrant relationship with the Lord of the universe, made possible by the cross and by the work of the Holy Spirit. If you’re among those who have stopped attending church, ask God to lead you back into a Bible-believing fellowship. Ask Him to help you find a solid Bible study group as well.
Let Him rekindle your faith and your affection for Him as you seek Him in your private moments and in collective worship. He has promised you His love, joy, and peace wherever His Holy Spirit calls you. As you spend time with Him and among His children, He will draw near to you!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you stopped attending church in recent years due to the pandemic? If so, why haven’t you returned?
- Is being in community with fellow believers in Christ a priority to you? If so, please pray that God would lead you to the right church community that fits your family’s needs.
