In a
world filled with chaos and uncertainty, knowing God can bring immense peace,
happiness, and meaning to our lives. Developing a strong relationship with God
is a journey that can be enriched by focusing on three fundamental practices:
studying His words, talking to Him, and following Jesus Christ. By engaging in
these activities, you can grow closer to God and experience the profound
blessings that come from knowing Him.
“And
this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent” —John 17:3
1. Study God’s Words
Jesus
said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
One of the most effective ways to build a relationship with God is by studying
His words. God, as our loving Father, desires a relationship with His children,
and we can learn about Him by reading sacred texts that document His
interactions with humanity throughout history. The Bible and the Book of Mormon
are both considered to be the word of God, each offering unique insights and
teachings.
The
Bible, especially the New Testament, provides numerous accounts of Jesus’s
life, miracles, and teachings. These stories illustrate God’s love, mercy, and
willingness to help His people. For instance, the miracle of Jesus feeding the
5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) demonstrates His compassion and divine power.
Similarly, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) reveals God’s
forgiveness and boundless love for His children, regardless of their past
mistakes.
The
Book of Mormon also contains powerful stories of God’s interactions with His
people. The story of Alma the Younger is a profound example. Initially, Alma
was a rebellious youth, but through the fervent prayers of his father and a
divine visitation, he experienced a miraculous conversion and became a devoted
servant of God (Mosiah 26-28). These accounts from both the Bible and the Book
of Mormon have inspired millions to seek God and feel His love.
By
regularly studying these scriptures, you can gain a deeper understanding of
God’s character, His will for you, and His unwavering love. This knowledge can
strengthen your faith and provide you with the spiritual nourishment needed to
navigate life’s challenges.
2. Talk to God
Building
a relationship with God is much like developing any other relationship—it
requires communication. God loves His children and wants to hear from them.
Prayer is the means by which we can converse with God, sharing our thoughts,
needs, and gratitude. Just as we would talk to a friend to grow closer to them,
we can talk to God to strengthen our relationship with Him.
When
you pray, you can express your deepest concerns, ask for guidance, and share
the details of your daily life. Whether you are facing significant challenges
or enjoying small victories, bringing these experiences to God in prayer can be
incredibly comforting. Jesus promised, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). This assurance highlights God’s
eagerness to listen and respond to our sincere prayers.
At
first, prayer might feel unfamiliar, and you may wonder how to recognize God’s
answers. It’s important to remember that prayer is a skill that improves with
practice. As you make prayer a regular part of your life, you’ll begin to
recognize the subtle ways in which God communicates with you—through feelings
of peace, thoughts that come to mind, or even through the words of others. This
continuous practice can transform prayer into a reliable and cherished form of
communication with God.
Gratitude
is also a vital aspect of prayer. By thanking God for His blessings, both big
and small, you acknowledge His role in your life and cultivate a spirit of
humility and appreciation. This gratitude can strengthen your relationship with
God and help you become more aware of His constant presence and support.
3. Follow Jesus Christ
Jesus
said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me” (John 14:6). Following Jesus Christ is essential to building a
relationship with God. Jesus is the perfect example of how to live a life that
is pleasing to God. His teachings and actions provide a clear path for us to
follow.
Jesus
taught us to love one another, to forgive, and to serve. He demonstrated these
principles through His interactions with others, showing compassion to the
sick, forgiveness to sinners, and humility in His service. By studying Jesus’s
life and striving to emulate His qualities, we can draw closer to God.
The
sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love for
humanity. Jesus suffered and died for our sins, making it possible for us to
find happiness and redemption. This atoning sacrifice is central to our
relationship with God because it offers us a way to overcome our shortcomings
and be reconciled with Him.
Reading
about Jesus’s life and teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon helps us
understand His role in God’s plan for us. For example, in the Sermon on the
Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus provides profound teachings on how to live
righteously. Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, the account of Jesus visiting
the Americas (3 Nephi 11-26) offers additional insights into His teachings and
His love for all people.
As we
strive to live according to Jesus’s teachings, we demonstrate our desire to be
closer to God. This involves making daily choices that reflect our commitment
to follow Christ, such as showing kindness to others, seeking to forgive those
who have wronged us, and serving those in need. These actions not only bring us
closer to God but also allow us to experience the joy and fulfillment that come
from living a Christlike life.
Conclusion
Building
a relationship with God requires effort and dedication, but the rewards are
immeasurable. By studying God’s words, talking to Him through prayer, and
following Jesus Christ, you can strengthen your connection with your Heavenly
Father. This relationship will bring you peace, happiness, and a deeper sense
of purpose, even amid life’s challenges. Remember that God loves you and is
always ready to help you grow and find joy in your journey. As you commit to
these practices, you will find that your relationship with God becomes a source
of strength and comfort, guiding you through life with faith and hope.
