Getting closer to God

[godchick03]

At the moment, i'm finding it hard to get closer to god. No matter what i do, read the bible, pray, worship, it seems like i'm not getting anywhere, i'm not learning anything. If anyone could give me advice i'd appreciate it

 

[wonder111]

that's an interesting topic, because if you ask 100 people you will probably get 100 different answers. Alot of people feel closest to God while they are out in nature, God's creation. Other people find that they are closest at church, or even in silent prayer in their own room. I think I may be a balance of these things. Sometimes I feel closest to God when I realize how thankful I am for small but great things in my life. I don't mean material things but sometimes if you just take some paper and write down all of the things you are thankful for in that moment, you will get a whole new perspective. This could even be insignificant things that you notice around you. It sounds silly but you start to realize what a huge role God is in our lives and how we can recognize Him in the small details. It says in the bible somewhere (i'm not good at remembering which verse) that when you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. At 15 you are alot further than many other people your age. It's a promise that you seek and you will find. So continue in your faith and He will reveal Himself to you in ways you probably would never expect.

many blessings!!

 

[Hobo No More]

I would say hold firm and hang in there. Continue to worship the Lord because he deserves the praise. Remember that the Lord is living and is not governed by whether we feel close to him or not. I read a book which highlighted God's Patience. Basically God tests our heart to see how we fare when he doesn't draw so close to us. This also happens in the bible. Continue to pray and continue to seek God.
These situations have happened to me before, many times, but rejoice in the fact that God is using them to build you up more as a follower of Christ.

Matt

 

[Lizquests]

I agree with both posts above as well. There are times when I feel far away from God. Usually this happens when I am at my happiest. Even when I am happy I always have to stop and remember who helped me be this way. There are times too when I feel far away from him when I am in shambles. It usually seems that when I look back on what I have gone thru, I find that He has been near me. He just made it seem like He was far away so I could learn something out of the whole experience.

Hang in there! God will show you his purpose within time.

 

[drdeancrosby]

Chick there's really only one way to truly get close to God.It's by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.You can read about it in John 3:3-9.Jesus made it very clear that it's a requirement for salvation.The things you're doing in your spiritual life are good and God will honor your faith.But you do need to start praying regularly for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.God sometimes takes a long time to answer but the wait will be worth it.Once you receive it,you'll have an emotional bond to God.KEEP ON KEEPING CLOSE TO JESUS CHICK.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

This is a normal part of Christian experience. It doesn't mean you're missing anything or need to do anything, other than hang on in there.

Does nobody read St John of the Cross any more? He called this phenomenon the Dark Night of the Soul.