What Kind of Relationship Do You Have with God?

One question I have had to ask myself—and continue to ask every day—is this:

What kind of relationship do I really have with God?

Is it the kind of relationship where I only spend time with Him on holidays? Every other Sunday? Maybe every Sunday?

Growing up, I remember feeling good about making it to church every week. I thought I was doing what God wanted because I was doing what my mother had taught me. Looking back, I realize she taught me so much more than simply attending church. Unfortunately, I only held on to one part of what she tried to teach me.

To me, going to church every Sunday meant God would be happy with me.

Sure, I prayed when life became difficult or when I found myself in trouble. But those conversations with God were often limited to moments when I needed something.

As I grew into adulthood, that was still the type of relationship I had with the Lord.

Now I can clearly see why I drifted away so many times.

The truth is, God wasn't first in my life.

He wasn't my priority.

Everything changed when I realized that God wasn't calling me to simply attend church—He was inviting me into a relationship with Him.

Think about your closest friend or a family member you deeply love. Those relationships don't grow because you see each other once a week. They grow because you spend time together, communicate, listen, and invest in one another.

Our relationship with God is no different—except it's infinitely more important.

He deserves to be the first person I think about when I wake up and the last One I talk to before I fall asleep.

Jesus said:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." — Luke 10:27

So how do we strengthen our relationship with God?

The answer is simpler than many people think.

Like any healthy relationship, it requires intentional time.

I used to think having a close relationship with God meant praying long, formal prayers that lasted for hours. Maybe that's because I grew up in churches where prayer services seemed to go on forever. While there's nothing wrong with long prayers, that's not what defines intimacy with God.

God isn't looking for perfection.

He's looking for your heart.

Spend time talking with Him.

Spend time listening.

Read His Word.

Worship Him.

Thank Him.

Bring Him your worries, your victories, your failures, and your dreams.

The more time you spend with Him, the more you'll recognize His voice and experience His peace.

One of my favorite parts of the day is after my morning workout. I'll sit quietly or take a walk outside just to talk with God. Throughout the day I'll continue those conversations while I'm driving, during my breaks at work, or whenever someone comes to mind who needs prayer.

Those moments have become more than routines.

They've become a relationship.

Scripture reminds us:

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

What an incredible promise.

So let me ask you the same question I had to ask myself:

What kind of relationship do you have with God?

Is He someone you only talk to once a week?

Once a month?

Only when life falls apart?

Or is He your daily companion?

If you're not where you'd like to be, don't be discouraged.

Start today.

Pray a simple prayer.

Read one chapter of the Bible.

Spend five quiet minutes with Him.

Invite Him into your morning routine.

Little by little, those moments become habits, and those habits become a deep, life-changing relationship.

God has never stopped pursuing you.

He's always listening.

He's always present.

He's always waiting for you to draw near.

And I can promise you this:

There is no greater relationship you'll ever have than the one you build with your Heavenly Father.

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." — James 4:8