What makes a relationship with God strong?

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“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

                                                                          — Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

We moved from a large two-story historical home surrounded by thirteen acres of forest. Our new home on the coast of Georgia was a one-story, newly constructed home that sat on a tiny lot in a small subdivision near the elementary school. The bay window in the breakfast nook made the narrow galley kitchen appear spacious, and the view of trees from the bay window reminded me of our country home. It brought me peace. Then the unexpected happened. I came home to find the trees gone. Soon, the sound of hammers and saws filled the air. The construction of another house began.

Disgusted, I plopped my pocketbook on the table, then walked to the refrigerator and grabbed the items needed to prepare dinner. Only one person fits comfortably in the narrow kitchen. My tween daughter followed, chatting about her school day. I turned and bumped into her. Thankfully, we didn’t stumble. Her enthusiasm about telling every detail of her day didn’t wane. I wanted peace, but she wanted to talk to me.

Recollections of when I came home from a date during my teenage years flickered in my mind. I climbed into bed with Mom. We talked about the evening for hours. Perhaps she needed sleep, but she listened while I poured my heart out to her.

Now the days when my daughters shared everything with me are precious memories. My relationships with my mom and my daughters bless me. Our conversations were an essential part of our relationships. Even the insignificant moments were important. They brought us joy. Now my mom is with the Lord and my daughters stay busy working and caring for their families. I miss the moments when we shared the details of our day.

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Yet, the close bond between mother and daughter reminds me of my connection with the Lord. There’s a deep desire to follow Him. When I share my sincere thoughts with Him, it brings me great delight. My love for Him is greater than the love I have for others. My days aren’t a few brief moments of morning devotion, rushed meals, and hurried evening prayers.

In this season, my primary focus is on the Lord and my husband. My time in God’s presence has increased because I have fewer responsibilities. Instead of grabbing a mug of coffee and rushing to work, I linger over a cup of coffee while reading the Bible. I draw closer to the Lord in prayer.

Prayer is having a conversation with God. When we converse with someone, we speak and listen. Listening is important because we discover things about the other individual. We discover the many ways that He responds to us. The Bible reveals His character to us. Sometimes His Spirit responds in a whisper, a peace that’s undeniable, or sends an individual who has the answer.

The book of James says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Although He knows my innermost thoughts and my heart, humbly sharing my thoughts and dreams with Him changed me. Sometimes we don’t bother Him with the little insignificant things. Nothing is too little or large. He welcomes our prayers. We are not bothering Him. We are not bothering Him. He wants us to tell Him everything, not only our deepest desires and hurts. Being honest with the Lord brings indescribable intimacy and joy. He understands us.

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Unlike a busy parent with time restraints, God is available and waiting for us to enter His presence. He yearns for us to seek Him. Our Father in Heaven wants to hear about our day. He isn’t limited by time, so He is never too busy to listen. He hears every word we utter. When we submit to His will, our conversations with Him throughout the day will alter our hearts and lives.

My hope is that we seek to know Him, find delight in following Him, and grow in wisdom. We, as followers of Christ, are God’s children. His children approach Him with the eagerness and excitement of being His child.

Our conversations are prayers, which include the following aspects:

• Praise—we lift God on high and give Him the highest honor. Love Him with our whole hearts.

• Thanks—we thank Him for the many blessings in our lives.

• Confess—we admit our sins and ask for forgiveness.

• Supplication—we ask for His help in times of need.

Then you wait in His presence and listen. Listening is applying the Biblical principles you learned to your life. Yielding to God produces the fruit of the spirit and eternal profit.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your never-ending patience and ever-lasting love toward us. You promise never to leave or forsake us and are available whenever we pray. We stand on the promises found in the Bible. Our greatest desire is to be more aware of your presence and to fall more deeply in love. Teach us, draw us close, and do not allow us to wander away.

Your turn

Do you feel comfortable openly sharing your thoughts and worries with God? How do think a more structured prayer routine will change your relationship with God? Recall a time when He answered your prayers unexpectedly.