Are you longing for a deeper connection with God? Do you desire to grow spiritually and walk more closely with Jesus every day?
Developing intimacy in your relationship with the Lord requires commitment and consistency. It means making your faith a priority regardless of changing seasons and circumstances.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 habits that can help strengthen your walk with God and draw you nearer to His presence. Let’s dive in!
1. Develop Consistency and Commitment
In the book of Daniel, we see an incredible example of wholehearted commitment to the Lord. Despite facing intense persecution, Daniel refused to compromise his devotion to God.
As a young exile, Daniel was taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. But even as a captive in a pagan nation, he was determined to worship God faithfully.
Daniel 6 describes how Daniel prayed to God three times a day, every day—even after his enemies passed a law prohibiting it. They knew this was the only way they could find fault with Daniel because he was trustworthy and faithful in every other area.
Daniel could have given in to fear or peer pressure. But he courageously continued “kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (Daniel 6:10 NASB).
What an inspiring example of tenacity and consistency in prayer! Clearly, cultivating an intimate relationship with God was Daniel’s highest priority. His steadfast devotion remained unwavering, regardless of opposition or consequences.
This example urges us to evaluate our own commitment to daily spiritual habits. Do we seek God with the same fervor as Daniel, or has complacency crept in? Are there areas where we’ve grown inconsistent?
To nurture your connection with Jesus, determine to make your faith a priority every day. Develop the discipline of regular Bible reading and prayer. Seek Him first, and stay constant even when life feels chaotic. Your depth of intimacy with God depends on it!
2. Exercise The Power of Confession
Another vital habit for drawing closer to the Lord is confession. We cannot even begin a relationship with Jesus without first confessing our sins and professing faith in Him as our Savior.
The book of Daniel shows how openly confessing his sins brought revival, revelation, and deliverance. In Daniel 9, when Daniel realized Jerusalem’s prophesied destruction was imminent, he immediately pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Daniel didn’t downplay his sins, but openly confessed that both he and Israel had “sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from [God’s] commandments and rules” (Daniel 9:5 NASB). This posture of humility and repentance softens our hearts before the Lord.
As 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) promises,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
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Through confession, we receive miraculous grace, cleansing, and renewal.
But confession is also vital for proclaiming God’s powerful promises and truths over your life. Despite trembling in fear before a heavenly vision, Daniel was reassured that he was precious to God and his prayers were heard (Daniel 10:12).
There is incredible power in affirming Biblical truth aloud and declaring your identity in Christ. Let confession of Scripture strengthen your faith daily!
3. Consecrate Yourself Through Fasting
Another important spiritual discipline for growing closer to God is consecration—setting yourself apart to focus completely on Him. One of the best ways to consecrate yourself is through fasting.
Fasting was not just an occasional event for Daniel, but a consistent practice he relied on throughout life. When he needed God’s wisdom and intervention, Daniel fasted by abstaining from royal foods, meat, wine, and choice fare.
Fasting helped Daniel focus intently on God and demonstrate humility and dependence. But sacrificing earthly pleasures is not easy. It requires crucifying our fleshly desires so the Holy Spirit can refine and renew us.
Are there physical indulgences competing for your affection and time with God? Consider embracing the purifying process of fasting. Temporarily give up entertainment, social media, or luxuries. Replace them with prayer, Scripture, and journaling. Watch how God reshapes your heart!
4. Cultivate Unshakable Confidence in God
One of Daniel’s outstanding qualities was his unflinching confidence in the Lord. Where did such rock-solid faith come from?
Daniel fixed his gaze on the truths of who God is. He trusted in God’s sovereignty, power, lovingkindness, and faithfulness. Because he knew God’s character, Daniel could trust Him even in the lions’ den.
In Daniel 3, his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exhibited similar courage. They told King Nebuchadnezzar they would never worship his statue, even under threat of death.
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king”
Daniel 3: 17 (ESV).
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Their confidence rested fully in the Lord.
We can cultivate this same resolute faith. Study who God is, remind yourself daily of His promises, and inventory past victories. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your confidence in God’s character and trustworthiness. He is your rock in every storm!
5. Stay Connected to God
Living in intimacy with Jesus is not a one-time event—it requires building these spiritual disciplines into your lifestyle long-term.
Just like any earthly relationship, your connection with God depends on regular investments of time and focus. Love deepens through continual expression, vulnerability, and sacrifice.
Building a rich devotional life takes time and intention. You may stumble or struggle to remain consistent. Distractions will try to pull you away. But don’t get discouraged! Lean on God for strength and grace to persevere.
The incredible news is that every small effort to draw nearer to Jesus results in exponential blessings! Even just ten minutes of reading Scripture equips and edifies your spirit. A short prayer connects you to the omnipotent Creator.
God cherishes every moment you spend seeking Him. And the more consistently you pursue Him, the sweeter the fellowship grows. His presence becomes familiar. His voice clearer. Your trust in Him stronger.
So stick with it! Make time alone with God your highest priority each day. Pour your heart out to Him continually through prayer. Study the Bible daily to grow in wisdom. Worship and sing with gratitude.
The rewards of pursuing lifelong intimacy with Jesus are nothing short of amazing. Why? Because God designed and wired you for a relationship with Himself. And only He can fully satisfy your soul’s deepest longings. Keep drawing near!
Key Takeaways
- Consistency in seeking God must be a daily priority. Set a habit of regular Bible reading and prayer.
- Confess your sins and proclaim powerful Scriptural truth through prayer. Let confession cleanse and strengthen your spirit.
- Consecrate yourself through fasting. Temporarily sacrifice earthly pleasures to focus completely on God.
- Place your confidence entirely in who the Lord is, not your fleeting circumstances. Trust His faithful character.
- Staying connected with God requires a commitment to lifelong spiritual habits. But the reward is priceless—intimacy with Jesus!
If you desire greater closeness with God, implement these disciplines. Our heavenly Father wants deep fellowship with you! Draw near to Him today.
Conclusion
Well, friends, I hope this post inspired you with practical habits that can help strengthen your relationship with God and spur spiritual growth. Our heavenly Father wants nothing more than close fellowship with us! Let’s draw near to Him today.
As always, thank you for reading. I pray the Lord blesses you richly as you seek His face. Blessings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much should I pray or read my Bible if I want to get closer to God?
A. There’s no magic formula! The key is being consistent and making time for Him a priority every day. Start with just 10-15 minutes of Bible reading and prayer. Or try praying through Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Q. What if I don’t see results from spiritual habits like fasting?
A. The primary aim is intimacy with God, not tangible “results.” But staying faithful in disciplines like fasting purifies our hearts to receive more of Him. Growth often happens slowly over time. Keep seeking Him!
Q. Why is confession so important in our walk with God?
A. Confession creates humility and repentance before God so He can cleanse and renew us. It also builds our faith as we proclaim His powerful truths aloud. Confession maintains a right heart attitude before the Lord.
Q. How can I have more confidence in God when life feels shaky?
A. Study who God is in His Word. Remind yourself of His promises. Look back on the victories He’s already given you. Talk to someone who can encourage your faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your confidence daily.
