How Can We Draw Close to God? (Part 2)

We have understood the importance of being close to God, along with the first three steps for doing so in part 1. Here are the next three steps we can apply:

4. Choose a Specific Time to Draw Close to God

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Everything that exists and happens in this world has its own time, and our challenge is how to know the right time for each thing. In this fast-paced age, we tend to be busy with many activities. As a result, we often lose quality time with our loved ones. Imagine that you want to be close to your spouse and children, but you only eat together once a month. Surely this would be difficult to make happen, wouldn't it?

This concept of quality time also applies in our relationship with God. Try to find a special and regular time to draw near to God every day. For example, through a daily devotion every morning at 5 a.m. Whatever time it is, it can certainly help you grow closer to God.

5. Find a Quiet Place to Draw Close to God

Then He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile!" For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. – Mark 6:31

What sound do you hear most often every day? People's conversations? Work discussions? In the midst of the noise of the world, it will be hard for us to focus on God's voice. That is why it is so important for us to be in a quiet place so that we can build personal time with God.

In the verse above, we see that Jesus wanted to have special time with His disciples after a full day of helping and teaching many people. He invited them to go to a quiet place so they would not be disturbed by the bustle of the world. At another time, Jesus prayed in a solitary place very early in the morning (Mark 1:35) or went up a mountain alone at night (Matthew 14:23).

Being in a quiet place does not mean you have to go looking for a secluded spot. A room at a different time can become a silent place, such as a bedroom or a garden at dawn. What matters is that in that place you can sense the peace and presence of God.

6. Discipline

So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching the gospel to others, I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Discipline is absolutely necessary to achieve a goal. Irregular interaction will hardly grow any relationship. Is it possible for us to improve the quality of our relationship with God however we please? For example, by reading the Word once a week, or praying three times a week? Without discipline, it will be difficult for us to build a close relationship with God.

Just as in work or study, we need discipline with the time and effort we give to drawing close to God. In addition to keeping a schedule for reading the Word (point 2) and praying every day (point 3), we also need discipline in matters beyond the schedule. What does that mean?

Build spiritual discipline to always put God first at all times. For example, by resisting temptation, or doing good to others. Spiritual discipline, by training ourselves to do what pleases God, will bring our relationship with God to a higher level.

Spiritual life will become boring when we do not know God deeply. Therefore, we must keep drawing near to Him. In the end, the person known by God is the person who is close to Him. Pursue this relationship by consistently practicing the spiritual habits you have been doing properly all this time. You can also include the steps above, which I believe can help you build a close relationship with God. Give it a try!

In God alone I am at rest; from Him comes my salvation. – Psalm 62:1

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