Imagine you're dating someone (requires a bigger imagination for some than others). You love them, and you know they feel the same way, but most of the time, they don't even talk to you... and when they do talk to you, they don't listen to anything you have to say. Sometimes they go so far as to avoid you altogether. In fact, all of last week they had you blocked on Messenger. How fast do you think that relationship would grow? Or maybe the question I should be asking is: how long would it last?
Communication is vital in all relationships. Not just dating or married relationships, but with friends and family as well. It's no different with God. A lot of times we don't realize that God even wants to have a relationship with us, and when we do, we don't know how to make that realtionship grow and work. After all, isn't God way up in heaven and we're down here on earth?
Since God is omnipresent (He can be everywhere, He is not limited by physical boundaries), He has the power to be in heaven and also with us. When Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come onto/into us (Acts 1:8), He was talking about the Spirit of God, the essence of who He is (rather than the physical form as Jesus was) being here with us. So even though we can't see God's physical form, we can still know that He is staying close to us, and wants a relationship with us. That being said, how do we get into and stay in a close relationship with Him?
1. Talk to Him - put simply, prayer.
Not just asking Him for stuff, but talking to Him like you would a friend, telling Him about the crappy day you had, the girl you like, or even just how you're feeling in general. He cares about all of it. And be honest. It's not like He'll think less of you for telling Him something He knows anyway. God appreciates honesty.
2. Listen to Him - ALSO PRAYER
A conversation isn't just one-sided, at least not a good one. Sometimes we're so busy talking at God that we fail to hear Him when He wants to answer us, and that always means we lose out. We need to take time to listen. Wait for an answer after asking a question. Wait for His guidance in a situation. Even if you don't get the answer that you're hoping for, or if it takes longer to come, at least you'll have been able to...
3. Spend Time With Him
No matter what the relationship, if it's important, you'll make time. One way is to read the Bible, which is His Word to you, that's also a good way to listen to Him. Another closely related way to get to know Him is to...
4. Spend Time With His Family - other Christians
You can learn about God from others who know Him, plus it shows you care about what He cares about, people.
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