How to grow closer to God 🤍

When I first decided to truly grow closer to God, the idea of reading the Bible felt incredibly daunting. It's such a thick book, and I often wondered, 'Where do I even begin?' I totally get it if you're feeling that way too! But trust me, unlocking the wisdom within is one of the most rewarding spiritual steps you can take. My journey started with a simple decision, and I want to share what I've learned to make yours easier. Many people, myself included, find the sheer volume of the Bible overwhelming. After some guidance, I discovered that the best place to start for beginners is often the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books tell the story of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. They're foundational to understanding Christian faith and give you a beautiful introduction to God's love and character. Reading about Jesus' earthly ministry felt like getting to know a friend, making the whole experience much more personal. Once you've spent some time in the Gospels, you might feel ready to venture further. Another excellent starting point, as I later learned, is to go back to the very beginning with Genesis, then move through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books lay out the history of creation, the origins of God's covenant with humanity, and His laws. While some parts can be complex, seeing the bigger picture of God's plan unfold is truly incredible. Remember, it's not a race; take your time and let the stories sink in. Choosing the right Bible translation also made a huge difference for me. I started with a modern, easy-to-understand version like the NIV (New International Version) or the NLT (New Living Translation). These translations use contemporary language, making the text much more accessible than older versions. I also found the YouVersion app to be an absolute game-changer. It's free, has countless translations, audio Bibles, and reading plans that guide you through specific topics or books. I often have my dark green Bible with colorful tabs for quick reference at home, but the app is perfect for reading on the go. Beyond just reading, I discovered the power of actively engaging with the text. One method that transformed my Bible study is the SOAP method: S - Scripture: Choose a passage, read it slowly, and write it out. O - Observation: What stands out to you? What do you notice about the characters, context, or themes? A - Application: How does this apply to your life today? What changes can you make, or what insight can you gain? P - Prayer: Pray over the scripture, asking God to help you understand and apply His word. This method helped me move from simply reading words to truly hearing God's voice and applying biblical truths to my daily life. Before I even open my Bible or the YouVersion app, I always make sure to start with prayer. I ask God for wisdom and understanding, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scriptures for me. It's amazing how much clearer things become when you approach God's word with an open heart and a prayerful spirit. I even set Joshua 1:9 as my phone wallpaper as a reminder to be strong and courageous in my faith and to spread the gospel. It's a reminder that God is with me every step of the way, just as Matthew 7:7 encourages us to seek and find. This journey of growing closer to God through His word isn't always easy, as the original post mentions. You might face judgment or moments of doubt, but the transformation in your life is beyond worth it. Staying focused means consistently showing up, even when it's hard. Taking small, consistent steps in reading your Bible will build a strong foundation for your faith and help you truly align with the will God has for you. You've got this!