When people ask how to get close to God, I can only share what works for me. I’ve noticed it’s not about ‘doing’ more. It’s usually about simplifying my life; doing less so I can be fully present, to include God (with intention) in my activities.
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13
If God speaks in a still, small voice and we are constantly being bombarded by loud messages from social media, the news, radio and podcasts it’s important to cut it all off. At least temporarily.
I will cut off social media, any and all stimulus distracting my attention. (this means YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok)
This is especially challenging when I’m in the midst of mundane tasks like running on the treadmill, cleaning my house or doing laundry. It’s tempting to go into distraction as I’m performing mindlessly. But, these precious moments of silence are powerful opportunities where God’s still voice can actually be heard! How can we hear Him if we aren’t quieting the noise around us, tipping our ears to listen? We are a generation addicted to immediate gratification and entertainment!
When God calls us to take dominion and rule over our flesh…fighting against what everyone else does is a perfect example of taking dominion over our culture and our minds.
How can we give the world something potent if we as children of God aren’t disciplining ourselves to Hear God’s Voice? This is not about condemning. It’s about waking us up to the reality that this world has gotten more hopeless and wicked and this includes people who professing to be Christians!
Where do we get our light from? Our hope? Our joy, confidence and wisdom? How do we stand apart from the world? If we don’t meet with God, how can He fill us with His Spirit so that we can make a difference?
Here are some tips that help me foster a deeper connection with God:
-The Lord will have me go on a media fast.
-He will have me practice ‘silence’. I will quiet the sound of my own voice and thoughts, so I can hear from Him.
-When He says something profound, I write it down and when He gives me instruction, I obey quickly. This allows his Spirit to flow.
-I have a trusted friend who is filled with the Holy Spirit that I can come to if I need clarity and prayer; I don’t just wing it on my own. I’m covered by others.
-I read the Bible with intention. If there is an area I struggle with, (like forgiveness) I focus on what the Holy Spirit leads me to focus on. I read the passages He highlights. If He asks me to memorize a scripture, I write it down until it goes deep in my memory.
-I Ask the Lord for an assignment; so while He is working in me, He can also use me to bless others. He has given fantastic, creative ideas on how to bless the people He has placed on my heart.