7 Ways to Grow Closer to God This Year

　　This article is adapted from Season 7, Episode 16 of the Marriage After God podcast. Subscribe and listen today.

　　As another new year dawns, many Christians will seek to nurture a more intimate walk with God. But with hurried schedules and constant demands on our time, cultivating closeness with the Lord often loses priority.

　　As my wife and I entered our house late one summer night after a family trip, the sounds of our paper shredder spontaneously activating startled us.

　　That odd interruption reminded me that so often, our attempts to draw close to God can get interrupted by life’s sudden intrusions just as easily and unexpectedly.

　　Our spiritual closeness to God frequently falls to the margins as hundreds of urgent to-dos take center stage, and our priorities get misaligned.

　　If I’m honest, I often allow busyness to get in the way of nurturing the intimacy with God that I so need and truly desire.

　　This new year, I feel stirred to realign priorities and pursue deeper communion with my Creator and Redeemer.

　　But with five small children, ministry responsibilities, and constant demands of everyday life, what does that look like practically? How can I carve out space for a relationship with the Lord amid chaotic days full of distractions?

　　As I explored Scripture and reflected on my own spiritual journey, several habits emerged that can foster closeness with God even in seasons where life feels out of control. These practices help combat indifference and renew a passion for Christ when neither seems to come naturally.

　　I want to remain close to God this year despite the ups and downs in my life. Implementing these suggestions consistently builds sturdy spiritual disciplines, strengthening my connection with Him for the long haul.

　　So, whether you feel content or disillusioned spiritually this year, I encourage you to consider joining me in applying these seven habits to nurture greater intimacy with God in the year ahead.

　　With some prayer and planning, we can prioritize relationship over routine, creating space for the cornerstone of our faith — knowing and loving our Creator and Savior.

　　

1. Pour Out Your Heart in Prayer

Rather than limiting prayer to occasional crisis pleas, establish a rhythm of transparent, unfiltered conversation with God.

　　Tell Him your deepest fears plaguing you, painful wounds needing healing, secret sins needing confession, and anything else weighing heavily on your spirit.

　　Opening up emotionally cement bonds, just like in human friendships. As David modeled, ask God to search your heart and reveal areas needing realignment with His truth.

　　

2. Cultivate a Thankful Heart

Intentionally shift focus from problems to blessings by keeping a gratitude journal. Write down specific people, moments, and gifts from God igniting joy.

　　Thank Him for His evident daily provisions and constant presence, especially in difficult seasons of waiting or suffering.

　　Remembering the enormous gift of Christ’s sacrifice for your redemption anchors ongoing thanksgiving. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1 ESV).

　　

3. Seek and Surrender to God’s Will

Pray intentionally about decisions before you, asking God to align your heart's desires with His purposes. Study Scripture to discern His will for your life.

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　　Then trust Him enough to obey in everything. Releasing your agenda to follow His creates greater intimacy.

　　

4. Walk-in Quick Repentance

When the Spirit convicts you of sin, agree honestly without rationalizing or minimizing. Ask God’s forgiveness immediately, then determine to change with His power and help.

　　Maintaining a repentant, tender heart clears away relational barriers so you can draw nearer to freedom and purity.

　　

5. Persevere in Spiritual Disciplines

When feeling distant from God or weak in faith, the natural response is to withdraw from spiritual habits.

　　But persistently praying, worshiping, serving, learning, and fellowshipping fortifies connection with Christ. These activities reignite passion for God as we taste His goodness.

　　

6. Offer Sacrificial Worship

God desires wholehearted worshipers. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice, humbly surrendering your will, dreams, and desires to God.

　　Sing praise songs with honesty and humility. Let your time of worshiping your savior bring you joy, rest, and encouragement.

　　

7. Avoid Comparison

Fight the urge to compare your spiritual journey with others, as it can lead to either pride or despair, often the latter.

　　Remember that you are on your own journey with God, and comparing yourself to others will only steal your joy along the way.

　　Instead, reflect on your own spiritual condition and ask God to help you identify areas of stagnancy. Draw near to Him to restore joy and spiritual zeal in your life this new year.

　　The same God who walked with Adam wrestled with Jacob, and delivered the ancient Israelites still desires a close relationship with all who entrust themselves to Christ today.

　　May these practical suggestions encourage believers to wholeheartedly pursue a deeper connection with our faithful, intimate God throughout the days ahead!

　　For further reading:

　　How to Make Bible Time a Family Affair

　　Building a Strong Marriage: How Humility Leads to Unity and Safety

　　Christian Community: The Secret Ingredient for a Stronger Marriage

　　Building a Strong Foundation: 6 Divine Callings for Every Marriage

　　How to Pray for Your Wife: 6 Prayers Influenced by How Jesus Prayed for His Church