The Journey of Growing Closer to God

Growing closer to God is a journey, not a destination. It’s about deepening our relationship with Him and allowing Him to transform our lives along the way. In a world that values quick results and instant gratification, our relationship with God can’t be rushed. One reason He has given us this earthly experience is to provide the time we need to grow our faith and enjoy the intimacy that comes from walking hand in hand with Him through life. The life of Jesus Christ is a perfect example of this journey. His life shows us how to build a strong, intimate relationship with God and gives us a model for deepening our own faith.

John 3:16 (NLT) beautifully captures the essence of God’s love and the mission of Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus, God's only begotten Son, came into this world to offer salvation and bring light to a place shadowed by darkness and sin. He entered the world as a tiny, vulnerable baby, entrusted to Mary and Joseph as his earthly parents. From his humble birth to his ultimate sacrifice, Jesus’ life powerfully illustrates God's deep love and unwavering commitment to saving humanity.

Through God’s Word, we’re given a special glimpse into the profound relationship between our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship reveals an intimacy that God desires for us to share with Him as well. In John 17:21 (NLT), Jesus Christ prayed: ““I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” This prayer reveals Jesus’ longing for us to experience the same unity and closeness with God that he enjoys with the Father. It’s a powerful reminder of what God has made available to us through the sacrifice and resurrection of His beloved Son.

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord, we are placing him in the leadership role in our lives. He leads and we follow. To guide us in this journey, God has given us the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us once we commit our lives to Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) declares, “19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Through Christ, we are not merely followers but also God’s children, carrying His spiritual seed within us. This profound truth reveals our true, authentic identity and the transformative power of God at work in us through our faith. By continually deepening our understanding and trust in this miracle of God’s love and power, we strengthen our close relationship with Him.

The journey of growing closer to God is deeply enriched by following the example of Jesus Christ. It’s not a burden but a precious opportunity to live a life of love and fulfillment, making the most of our time on this earth. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by worries and anxiety, and it feels like things won’t work out, it’s essential to shift our focus. Instead of dwelling on problems or the actions of others, we should turn our attention to God. Seeking His Will and purpose for our lives brings clarity and strengthens our relationship with Him. God never intended for us to navigate life on our own. Instead, life is meant to be lived in partnership with Him by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This partnership allows us to face challenges with confidence, fully and completely leaning on the Father. Growing closer to God is a dynamic journey where we embrace the fullness of His love and purpose. Philippians 4:13 (NLT) assures us, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” By living for Christ, we tap into His power and authority, enabling us to do good works that reflect His light. As we walk this path, staying close to God and His Word, our relationship with Him will undoubtedly deepen. Each day will bring new chances to experience His power and love, revealing that He is more eager to walk this journey with us than we ever realized. We can trust Him completely to make the most of every moment, and He will enrich our lives as He continually draws us closer to Him. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“The Journey of Growing Closer to God”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.