Get closer to God Sis

Hey everyone! I wanted to dive a bit deeper into my journey of growing closer to God because I know so many of us are searching for that deeper connection. While the original post shares amazing practices like gratitude and prayer, I've found that sometimes, getting closer to Him isn't just about what we add to our lives, but also about what we *let go of*. It’s been truly transformative for me to identify and release some habits that were actually creating distance. One of the biggest eye-openers for me was realizing the impact of worrying. I used to be a chronic worrier, constantly replaying scenarios in my head, feeling overwhelmed by what might happen. I came across a powerful thought: 'Worry is worship to the devil.' That hit me hard. It made me realize that my worry wasn't just unproductive; it was diverting my focus and trust away from God. Learning to intentionally 'give it to God' and trust that He will take the weight of my worries has been a game-changer. It’s not easy, it’s a daily practice, but surrendering those anxieties has freed up so much space in my heart for peace and faith. Next, I had to confront speaking word curses over my life. This might sound dramatic, but it’s essentially about negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. How often do we say things like, 'I'm not good enough,' or 'I'll never achieve that'? The Bible says, 'Life and death are in the power of your tongue.' This realization made me so much more intentional about the words I spoke, especially to myself. Shifting from self-defeat to affirmations rooted in God’s promises has empowered me beyond measure. It’s about choosing to speak life and align my words with His truth, not my fears. Then there's the challenge of allowing fears to control you. Fear is a natural human emotion, but when it dictates our decisions and keeps us from stepping out in faith, it becomes a barrier. I had to remind myself constantly that 'God does not give you a spirit of fear.' He gives us power, love, and a sound mind. There were times I felt paralyzed by fear – fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. But remembering that 'God walks before you and He's always with you,' and that 'He will fight your battles,' has given me the courage to push past those feelings. It’s like having a divine protector paving the way. Finally, people-pleasing was a huge one for me. For years, I made decisions based on what others might think or expect, rather than what I felt God was calling me to do. This created so much internal conflict and prevented me from living authentically. The message 'Focus on pleasing God' became my guiding principle. It's tough to break free from the need for external validation, but when you shift your focus to aligning with God’s will, a profound sense of freedom and purpose emerges. It allows you to truly be yourself, knowing that His approval is the only one that truly matters. By actively releasing these four things, I found that my daily practices of gratitude, quiet time, Bible study, and prayer became even more meaningful and effective. It’s like clearing out the clutter to make more room for God’s presence. When I feel overwhelmed, I often remember Psalm 121:1-2: 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.' This verse is a constant reminder that my help, strength, and peace come from Him alone. Trusting in a God who promises to 'make a way where you don't see a way' has truly changed my perspective and deepened my connection with Him in ways I never imagined possible. I hope sharing these insights helps you on your own journey to draw closer to our heavenly Father!