Reading the bible and constant prayer can feel impossible in our busy digital world. The goal is not to finish the bible or a specific book, but the goal should always be to get closer to God and live a Godly life. Below we highlight some simple ways to get closer to God in 2024.
Below are a few tips on getting closer to GOD:
1. PRAY PRAY PRAY... Pray for it, pray on it and pray through it. One of the best ways to spend quality time with God is by having some quiet prayer time. This gives us time to glorify, show gratitude, confess and ask. Prayer allows for solitude in this busy world and can be imperative in even improving our mental health. Put all your worries to God and remember to pray for anything.
Philippians 4 vs 6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. Set goals that are attainable LONG-TERM. As above you do not need to read the whole bible, pray ten times a day or read all the books written by the apostle Paul. Focus always on what is above and the Holy Spirit will guide you. Small habits tend to have the biggest influence over time.
Romans 2 vs 12: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3. Be specific and intentional about your goals. Writing these down on schedule can make a huge difference. Below are a few examples:
Read the bible 4x a week on the following days Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7 am as soon as I wake up for only 15 minutes. I will leave my bible next to my bed and set my alarm for 6:55 am.
Read one chapter of the bible every day at 8 pm.
Proverbs 16 vs 9: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
4. Schedule when you want to read your bible (implementation intention). Set it in your daily calendar or create a reminder for you to remember to do this on a. daily basis.
Psalms 37 vs 4: Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5. Reward yourself for completing this goal: Habit stacking is the idea that you pair something that needs to be done with something that may make you feel good. Examples of rewards and habit stacking can be noted below
Read your bible with a morning cup of tea
Have a tasty breakfast after reading the bible
Have a nice shower after reading the bible
Philippians 3 vs 14: I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
6. Read your bible the way you LOVE to read the bible. I am a listener and I learn better from listening and reading at the same time. My personal bible study is a combination of the two. You do not have to be in a quiet room with a notebook. Create a relationship with God your way. Examples of these are below:
Listen to the bible
Use a journaling bible
Create a notebook
Read the bible with someone else
Just read the books you really love and come back to the others later
Let the Holy Spirit guide you
Revelation 1:3 (NLT): God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
7. Make your bible study routine a beautiful moment. A lot of us don't continue reading the bible because we set a horrible mood. A cold morning, times we are tired, dark room and when are at our worst. Romanticise your time with God. Be comfortable, be warm, light a candle, and play some worship music. But do not let romanticising the moment stop you from reading the bible.
Colossians 3:23 (CSB): Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,
8. Join a bible study group. This can mix things up and make your study less monotonous and boring. It is also a great way to learn and a great way to meet some Godly brothers and sisters.
Philippians 4:4 (CSB): Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
9. Surround yourself with GOD. There are so many ways to continually be reminded of God through the people you follow on social media, whom you watch on TV and YouTube, songs you listen to, people you talk to and books you read. Make God your best friend or partner to find comfort and joy in.
1 Corinthians 16:23 (CSB): The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
10. Introduce God in your home. PRAY with your children, partner, brothers and sisters. Make talking about God normal and bring him up in casual conversation and normalise his presence.
Matthew 18:19 (CSB): Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
