As we progress into this new year, one of the most important things we can do is lay a strong foundation for our spiritual lives. Before the busyness of life takes over, we need to be intentional about drawing closer to God. Today, we’re talking about how we can build a personal relationship with God—one that is deep, real, and transformative.
Many of us desire a closer walk with God, but we may struggle with knowing how to cultivate it. What does it truly mean to have a relationship with God? How do we move beyond religious routines and experience a deep connection with our Creator? These are the questions we are exploring together.
What Does a Personal Relationship with God Look Like?
A personal relationship with God is much like any other meaningful relationship in our lives—whether with our spouse, children, or close friends. It is built on love, trust, and communication. But there’s one key difference: our relationship with God calls for faith and obedience.
This journey is more than just attending church or following religious traditions. It’s about knowing and being known by God. Think about Abraham—God said of him, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him” (Genesis 18:19). That’s the kind of intimacy you want to have with God—where He knows you deeply, and you walk in close fellowship with Him.
The Pillars of a Personal Relationship with God
To build a strong relationship with God, there are key pillars we must focus on:
1. Faith – Believing in God’s Presence
It’s easy to trust someone we can see and touch. But with God, we need faith. The Bible tells us:
“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Even when we can’t see Him, we trust that He is there, guiding us and working in our lives.
2. Trust – Relying on God in All Situations
There are moments when life takes unexpected turns—when things don’t go the way we planned. But trusting in God means believing that He is in control, even when we don’t understand.
“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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting God keeps us steady in our walk with Him. It helps us follow His plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
3. Love – Our Deepest Affection for God
When we genuinely love someone, we desire to be with them, we don’t want to hurt them, and we prioritize our relationship with them. That’s how our love for God should be.
Jesus said:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
Our love for God should be the driving force of our relationship with Him. It’s not about duty—it’s about devotion.
4. Communication – Talking and Listening to God
Every strong relationship is built on communication. God wants to hear from us, and He also wants to speak to us.
“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s how we share our hearts with Him and how we learn to hear His voice.
5. Obedience – Walking in God’s Ways
Obedience is the evidence of our love for God. It shows that we trust Him enough to follow His ways, even when they go against our own understanding.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15
Think about Abraham—God tested his love by asking him to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). His willingness to obey demonstrated his deep trust in God. We, too, must be willing to obey, even when it’s difficult.
6. Commitment to Growth – Maturing in Our Faith
God is patient with our growth, but He also expects us to mature spiritually. Just as parents desire to see their children grow, God desires that we grow in our relationship with Him.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
We grow by yielding to the Holy Spirit and bearing the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Growth means learning patience, endurance, and dependence on Him.
How Do We Pursue a Deeper Relationship with God?
Building a relationship with God is not something that happens by accident. It requires intentionality. Here are three steps we can take:
1. Decide to Abide in Him
Every relationship starts with a decision. We must choose to abide in God.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” – John 15:4
Abiding means staying connected through worship, prayer, fasting, and pursuing righteousness.
2. Die to Ourselves Daily
Growing in our relationship with God requires dying to our own desires and surrendering to His will.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20
This means denying the flesh and living for Christ. We must let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
3. Dedicate Ourselves to the Journey
A strong relationship with God requires dedication. It’s a lifelong pursuit.
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23
Dedication means making time for God daily praying, studying His Word, and worshiping Him no matter how busy life gets.
Let’s Pray
Lord, we desire to be close to You. Help us to abide in You, to trust You, and to walk in obedience. Strengthen our faith and deepen our love for You. May our relationship with You grow stronger each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
