Devotion?

[eden2760]

Hey people,

I've just got some questions, that may or may not have any "Yes or no" answers. I'm 23. I've never really experienced true intimacy with Jesus. I've been a christian for about 5 years now. I don't really understand... 'how' to relate to God.

This is kind of complicated I suppose (or maybe not ). I have the most rational, logically-thinking mind you'll ever probably see. In my mind, I know what the bible says; That Jesus is the son of God, that his death paid for my sins; I've truly confessed this, and believed it in my heart. I know I'm saved; however, because of these things that i've done over the last few years, I've spent less and less time caring about or nurturing my relationship with Jesus. I know he never left me, I had began to walk away from him.

I guess what I'm asking is, now that I have a true desire to know him more, to have deeper fellowship with him, now that I've allowed him to bring me out of these things, I'm not sure how to do it.

I go to church every sunday (at an Assembly of God), but I struggle really with even being alone with God and praying, or reading the Word at all. Don't get me wrong please. I know that every time I go into my prayer close it shouldn't be a mountaintop experience, and that I shouldn't gauge my relationship always on what I feel. But how do you begin to really experience the Holy Spirit's leading in your life. Just by reading the word whether you want to or not, by prayer? My prayer life isn't really what it should be either. I mean, for all intents and purposes I feel like I'm a brand new Christian (and maybe I am, on account that only now do I really want to seek after a relationship) due to the fact that I don't really know how to relate to God.

I'm in the military, and like to have a spelled-out A-Z checklist of how things are done. Unfortunately I guess I don't get that with the Christian walk.

Basically all I'm saying, or asking, is, if I had never really devoted myself or spent time with God before, how would you suggest that I would start. Thanks for listening to the doddering of a young person like myself!

 

[goldenviolet]

i'm glad you shared. reaching out in fellowship is wise.

let me show you something:

I guess what I'm asking is, now that I have a true desire to know him more, to have deeper fellowship with him, now that I've allowed him to bring me out of these things, I'm not sure how to do it.

you are in this process! ...!!

His word daily ...
allows the the Holy Spirit to lead us. we are built and get spiritual growth this way. it promotes meditation on God's will.
pretty soon He's not just in your life; He is your life.
you feel His presence and when He is hidden; you feel comforted. He will draw you close this way.

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. Matthew 7:8

there are lots of ways to study... free reading the bible, devotionals, journalling, books. you find what works for you. searching God daily will really help you.