How to Get Closer to God

Reaching your goals feels doable when the specifics are concrete—lose 15 pounds, pay off debt, get a new job. Specifics give you a starting point and tell you what to do.

Spiritual goals, though, are sometimes more abstract. We long to grow closer to God, but what does that look like? How will we get there? And will we even know when we’ve arrived?

So many questions! Thankfully, we’ve got an answer: Start small.

Our relationship with God will last and grow through a lifetime—and then some. It’s a journey. You’re not expected to arrive today. So, put aside any worry or guilt that might be holding you back, and commit to taking small steps each day, week and month.

1. Prayers for the Year

Grab a sheet of paper, a pen and some time to think. Consider the things you’d love to see happen that are a tad—or way—outside of your reach. What can only God do? Jot down your prayers, ask your spouse and kids for input, and commit the list to God. Display your prayers in a prominent spot, and make a note next to the ones that are fulfilled as the year goes by.

2. Verse for the Month

Every month select a verse to memorize and pray over your family. Try a verse that’s either new to you or especially timely for you. Write it on an index card and make it your month’s mantra. To get started, try one of the following verses:

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4–5 (NIV)

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)

3. Hour for the Week

Devote one hour a week to spiritual education. Trade TV time for devotional reading, your commute playlist for a podcast, or social media scrolling for meditation and prayer. If this sounds like a chore, remember the facts: A week holds 168 hours. You only need to borrow one.

4. Routine for the Day

Create a brief—yes brief!—morning or bedtime routine that includes a few minutes of prayer and Bible study. If you’re a morning person, you might wake at 6 a.m., shower, spend 15 minutes in devotion, and then get ready for the day. If you’re a night owl, you could be in bed and ready to sleep by 10 p.m. Then crack open your Bible to close out the night.

With these small steps taken day after day, week after week and month after month, you’ll no doubt find yourself closer to Christ at the end of the year.

To get started spending intentional time in the Word daily, check out bestselling author Christy Wright's new 40-day devotional, Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You. This devotional will give you 40 days of scripture, teachings, and prayer that will remind you who YOU are and who God is. Get your copy of today!