HOW TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Tuesday, 02/10/26 at 16:22
Robyn Anders

Many people today believe that all they need to do is go to church. Some may even go to Bible study, but a deep, personal relationship requires more.

When you have someone special (a friend or spouse) in your life, you know that to strengthen that relationship you need to learn their likes and dislikes. You understand that you must spend quality time with them and do things together that make them happy.

God is no different. He longs for a personal relationship with us. God truly loves us! No one likes being “put on a shelf” until they are needed for something.

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” – 1 John 4:9

So… how do we do this?

First, we need to understand that we are created in His image, so God has feelings. Once we accept that, we should make an effort every day to make God smile.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Proverbs 8:17

Second, we embrace the fact that God is the Almighty Creator of everything, and we daily show Him honor and respect. Humans have no problem giving loyalty and admiration to other humans who have reached “the top.” Why is it so difficult with God?

Third, we must make an effort to spend time with Him—alone. Find time and places each day to be alone with God. Talk to Him. Listen deeply in the quiet. Read about His desires in the Bible. Prayer is us talking to God, and the Bible is God talking to us. As you read, ask questions—you will receive answers.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:12–13

Listen for the “still, small voice.” It requires quietness and focus on Him. He does speak to those who will listen, but it is not usually a booming voice from the sky like in the movies.

Next, we must completely trust His Word and His promises. We all know how it feels to care for someone who does not trust us. It is heartbreaking when you promise to be there for someone and they treat that promise as worthless—like they do not believe in you or have faith in your character.

God is grieved when His children do not have faith in Him.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38–39

Most importantly, follow His directions. As a parent knows what is best for a child, trust that God’s guidance is always perfect. He is omniscient. He has eternal wisdom.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6

Lastly, be thankful for everything—large and small. God loves to give to those who appreciate His blessings. Thank Him for sunshine. Thank Him for butterflies and hummingbirds. Thank Him for a great parking place. Thank Him for your promotion and your safe travels each day. Thank Him for sending His Son to suffer and die for us. God loves to give to those who appreciate His gifts.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:31–