How can I get to know God better?
Getting to know God better is a journey that every Christian embarks on. There are many things we can do to grow closer to God and strengthen our relationship with Him. Here are some biblical ways to get to know God more intimately:
Read the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us and is the primary way He reveals Himself to us. Setting aside regular quiet time to read the Bible, meditate on it, and apply it to your life is essential to knowing God better (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Try reading through books of the Bible and pay attention to God’s character and promises. Highlight verses that stand out and write down ways you see God speaking to you.
Pray Regularly
Prayer is our communication with God. Setting aside time to pray daily helps us connect with God and see how He is working in our lives. Pray about everything – big and small – with thanksgiving, praise, confession and requests (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Journaling prayers can help you organize thoughts and look back on how God has been faithful.
Attend Church
Being part of a local church helps us grow by learning from other Christians. Listening to biblical preaching and teaching at church services reinforces God’s Word in our hearts and minds. Serving in church also helps us use our gifts and rely on God more fully (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
Fellowship with Other Believers
Developing close Christian friendships provides encouragement, accountability and opportunities to talk about God. Join a small group Bible study or meet regularly with a spiritual mentor or accountability partner (Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Worship God
Whether through singing, creative arts, or simply contemplating God’s goodness, taking time to actively worship God realigns our hearts toward Him. This redirects our focus from worldly things to the wonder of who God is (Psalm 95:1-2, John 4:23-24). Listen to worship music, attend special services, or spend time in nature appreciating God’s creation.
Serve and Give Generously
Using our time and resources to serve others and support ministry needs trains us to rely on God and see where He is working. Look for ways you can volunteer with church outreach, give financially to ministry efforts beyond the church tithe, and share Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Matthew 25:35-40).
Memorize Scripture
Committing Bible verses to memory hides God’s Word in our hearts for strength in times of temptation and trial (Psalm 119:11). Try memorizing a new verse weekly or monthly. Review verses with scripture memory cards, songs and Bible apps.
Study Biblical Doctrine
Getting a better grasp on biblical truths like salvation, grace, the Trinity, and the character of God through in-depth study helps us know God more fully. Take time to read books on doctrine, take a theology class, or do targeted studies on attributes of God (2 Timothy 2:15, Hosea 6:3).
Develop Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines like solitude, silence, fasting, and simplicity create space to focus on God. Practice spiritual disciplines regularly to go deeper with God apart from the daily distractions of life. Take a day of solitude, give up media and technology for a time, or simplify your schedule (Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:16-18).
Reach Out during Difficult Times
Turning to God in times of pain, loss, uncertainty and struggle draws us closer to Him. Pour out your heart to God, cling to His promises, and ask other Christians to pray for you (James 5:13-15). Let difficult seasons make you more dependent on Christ.
Obey God’s Commands
Living in obedience to God demonstrates our love for Him. Regularly examining your life against Scripture and surrendering disobedient attitudes and actions allow you to walk more closely with God (John 14:21, John 15:14, 1 John 5:3).
Spend Time in Nature
Exploring God’s majestic creation in nature reminds us of His beauty, creativity and power. Take prayer walks outside, go hiking, enjoy wildlife and new scenery. Consider camping overnight or hiking to a sunrise or sunset vista to experience the wonder of creation.
Listen to Biblical Teaching
Give yourself a constant stream of biblical truth by listening to podcasts and sermons from respected teachers while driving, exercising, cooking or relaxing. This can supplement your personal Bible study with new insights (Acts 17:11).
Travel on a Ministry or Mission Trip
Short-term ministry and mission trips take us out of our comfort zones and provide fresh perspective on God’s work. Participating in trips to help communities, build churches or share the gospel gives you first-hand experience seeing God at work (Mark 16:15).
Take a Retreat
Stepping back periodically for an extended time of spiritual retreat helps us refocus and reconnect with God deeply. Look for weekend or week-long guided retreats at camps, monasteries, or Christian retreat centers for times of reflection and renewal (Mark 6:31).
Share Your Faith
Talking with others about who Christ is and what He has done for you reinforces your own faith while planting gospel seeds. Look for opportunities to have spiritual conversations, share your testimony, invite someone to church or study the Bible together (Matthew 28:19-20).
Practice Waiting on the Lord
Learning to sit silently before God and wait for Him to speak or reveal His will for you fosters deep dependence on Him. Set aside regular quiet time to wait on Him through prayer, fasting and listening (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31).
There are many biblical ways we can pursue knowing God more intimately as we walk with Him each day. The important thing is to actively set aside time and engage in practices that will strengthen your relationship with Christ. As we see God working and truly experience His presence, we are transformed to become more like Him. Getting to know God better takes time, commitment and grace as we open ourselves fully to Him. But it yields blessings and growth beyond what we could imagine.