Having a Better relationship with God

"They were to look for God... and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. It is in Him that we live and move and keep on living". Acts 17:27 (NLV).

You know that you want a better relationship with God, you just don't know how.

God is always available to you if you "..seek Him with all your heart" (Deuteronomy 4:29). You personally need to make time to read God's Word every day! It might not be easy but it is worth it! Between the busyness of life e.g work, school activities, church, volunteering etc.. You need to make the time to be in His Word. Just You and Him.

It clearly declares in the Bible "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world". James 4:8 (NLT). God wants us to know him! That's a fact!

Here are some tips on how you can have a Better relationship with God:

1. Schedule God's Word- Write a specific time and location on your calendar, or in your phone to remind yourself after you get up in the morning, right after school, or immediately after dinner, to read and meditate on His Word. Avoid putting devotions off until the end of the day. Waiting until bedtime means you'll most likely fall asleep.

2. Choose your tools- This can be a study Bible which may contain reading plans and practical ways to apply Scripture to everyday situations. A devotional book which is specifically for students. Many have questions to help you relate the verses you to your own life. Or, a journal which you can use to record your favourite verses and reflections on Scripture. Or, you could simply write a letter to God.

3. Start with prayer- Ask God to keep you focused and to help you understand what you're about to read. Sometimes, our mind just starts to drift at the most random time during prayer. Tell God you've set aside this time especially for him, and that you choose to focus on him, ask Him to take any distractions of the mind and your physical surrounding away so that you can wholly focus on Him. 

4. If you don't get it the first time, read it until you get it- First, read verse by verse, read each verse several times until you understand what it's saying, then move on to the next one. Then, go back and read the entire passage, putting its meaning altogether in your mind. Even if you're familiar with a passage, try to read it like you've never seen it before, don't skim. God might give you an understanding of something you've never noticed before, in that reading!

5. Do what the Bible says. Commitment. Time- Make a list of personal traits such as being more patient, kind, witnessing, praying. Each week, choose one item from your list. Then, try to find ways to apply what you've read. On a piece of paper, write these words, "I commit to read my Bible every day for the next month." Sign your name and tape the paper somewhere in your bedroom where you can see it. There will be days when you skip devotions and reading scripture. Just try to keep it a high priority and do it whenever you can. God is not going to abandon you if you don't do a devotion or read His Word one day. He knows what our schedules are like, and He knows our hearts. God can use the time you spend with him to grow your faith and teach you things you can't teach yourself.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that when we look for you we can find you. You reveal yourself to us when we honestly and whole-heartedly seek you, Lord. Thank you, Father, for always being omnipresent and omniscience! You are all knowing and you are everywhere, thank you for knowing me and my heart and what's in my heart Lord. Purify our hearts Lord so that we can serve you and only you, to be in You and not in the world; to have a better relationship with you God. In Jesus Name. Amen!