Hey guys! I hope you’re doing well and staying safe.

Your girl has finally finished exams and university altogether! So no more lack of consistency with posts.

There’s something that’s been pressing on my heart for a week or so, and that’s having a personal relationship with God.

When we think of relationships, we think of romantic relationships, friendly relationships, and also parental ones. Having a relationship with God isn’t something we think of. This may be because we see God as far away from us, someone with who we can’t have a close relationship with. However, the bible tells us that Abraham was called a friend of God (James 2:23). God wants a personal relationship with us. One where we talk to Him consistently. We trust Him, we don’t just wait until things are difficult to call him up.

What stops us from having a personal relationship with God?

One answer to this question may be relying on others. We hear the word on a Sunday when the pastor or leader preaches, but from Monday to Saturday, there’s not much else going on. It’s like the line to God is cut off. Feeling shame, or guilt because of our sin causes us to distance ourselves from God (Like Adam and Eve in Genesis 2).

The first revelation I had about having a personal relationship with God, is that there is a difference between being a creation of God, and a child of God. Yes God loves all, but there’s something that happens when we have a relationship with God, becoming a child of God.

John 1:12-13
” Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” Other versions say that He gave the power to become children of God

Romans 8:15  
For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

In the bible, when Paul and Jesus used the terms “Abba”, it signified a close relationship with God.

Growing up in church culture, it’s easier to pray when you’re around others, as a body of Christ, even one-hour prayer sessions go by quickly. However, when it’s time for one on one prayer with you and God alone, it’s difficult. Having a personal relationship with God means that despite who is there, you know whom you depend on, and who you rely on.

Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
Psalm 27:10

In this verse, the Psalmist shows that even the people who are closest to you may forsake you. But God receives you. Humans, we are not stable people. In as much as we may think we’re consistent, but things may change. But God never changes!

In the Old Testament, when the temple was being built, the house of the Lord had the curtain, which was put in, to signify the separation between the holy place o God. Where the presence of God resided. But when Jesus died, the curtain was torn. It was torn from top to bottom, signifying it was the doing of God, not the doing of man. Jesus being the sacrifice brought back the relationship between man and God. a relationship like with Adam, where God could walk in the cool of the day.

Why should we have a personal relationship with God?

God wants to rebuild the relationship between Himself and Man. As I mentioned before, there was a distance between God and Man due to sin. But God wants you! Read that again and take time to digest. God wants to have communication and fellowship with you. I’ll speak again. The God who created the universe wants you. He wants you to enjoy the benefits and the fruits of His Kingdom. He is your father, who wants you to stay near Him, that you may be protected (Psalm 91). He protects His sheep.

Oh! And one thing that I found, when you are close with God, He reveals His purposes and His plans. Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ You begin to recognize the voice of God, which helps you when you’re unsure (John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.)

How do we grow a relationship with God?

When we think about having a relationship with God, we may overcomplicate it. Just think of if you are in a relationship with someone. What are the key things??

1. Communication. How do we communicate with God? Through prayer. Through reading the word of God. Through worshipping Him!
2. Trust. Do you trust God? Can He trust you to be faithful
3. Consistency. Do we only call on God when we need Him?

So today, choose to have a personal relationship with God. Choose to be honest and open. Talk to Him consistently. Don’t wait until Sunday to read your bible, but daily. There’s nothing wrong with worshipping God together as a church body, but let’s aspire to be like Jesus, who could take time alone with God.

Have a blessed day!

P.S! Over the next couple of posts, I really want to explore the names of God. A lot of times in the bible, when God had revealed Himself in a particular way (such as being a provider, thus being called Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22). God is God, and He never changes. But we all experience God in different ways, depending on the season of life we are in. So this is something I really want to explore. So please stay tuned.

~ peace, joy & love x

TK