Faith: How Do I Get Closer to God?

Getting closer to God is not about religious performance or checking off a spiritual to-do list; it is about responding to His constant invitation to intimacy. You draw near to God by intentionally creating space to seek Him through honest prayer, immersion in His Word, and quiet listening. By prioritizing a heart-to-heart relationship over ritual and choosing to trust His character in the small moments of your day, you begin to recognize His presence and find the spiritual "True North" your soul was created for.

The Invitation to More

We all have moments where God feels distant. Perhaps the "noise" of life: the endless emails, the family schedules, the career pressures: has drowned out the "still, small voice" we once heard clearly. Or perhaps you are in a season where you feel like you are just going through the motions. You’re attending church, you’re saying grace, but your heart feels like it’s in a desert.

If you are asking, "How do I get closer to God?" it is actually a sign of spiritual health. That hunger is not a sign of failure; it is a sign that the Holy Spirit is drawing you. James 4:8 gives us a staggering promise: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." It is a bilateral move. When you take one step toward the Father, He is already running toward you.

Getting closer to God is a journey of removing the barriers we have built and opening the doors we have closed. It is a transition from knowing about God to truly knowing Him.

1. Start with Honest Desire (The "Real Jesus" Approach)

The first step in any relationship is honesty. Many of us try to "clean ourselves up" before we talk to God. We think we need to sound more spiritual or act like we aren't frustrated or exhausted. But God isn’t looking for your "polished" self; He wants your real self.

To get closer to God, you have to start exactly where you are. If you’re angry, tell Him. If you’re bored, admit it. If you’re scared about your future or your family, bring that into the conversation. In my book, Peace of the Presence, I talk about how intimacy begins when we stop hiding. Intimacy (in-to-me-see) requires transparency.

Practical Action: Spend five minutes today being "dangerously honest" with God. Don’t use church language. Just talk to Him like a trusted friend about the thing that is actually on your mind.

2. Dwell in the Word as a Conversation

We often treat the Bible like a textbook or a manual for living. While it is full of wisdom, the primary purpose of Scripture is to reveal the Person of Jesus. If you want to know God’s heart, you have to read His words.

But here is the key: don’t just read for information; read for encounter. This is the difference between reading a biography of a person and reading a letter written specifically to you. When you open the Word, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one phrase or one verse that He wants you to carry throughout the day. This transforms Bible study from a chore into a lifestyle of Christian creativity and spiritual nourishment.

Practical Action: Choose one Gospel (like the Book of John) and read just one chapter a day. Before you read, pray: "Lord, show me who You are today."

3. Practice the "Peace of the Presence" in Silence

We live in a world designed to keep us distracted. Silence can feel uncomfortable because, in the quiet, we have to face ourselves. However, silence is the "greenhouse" of spiritual growth.

In my teaching on breaking the architecture of fear, I emphasize that God often speaks in the whispers. If our lives are constant noise, we will miss the very direction we are looking for. Creating "Holy Space": even just ten minutes of silence without your phone or music: allows your soul to settle and your spiritual ears to tune in to God’s frequency.

Practical Action: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Sit in a quiet chair. Don't pray out loud. Don't read. Just "be" with God. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to a simple phrase like, "Lord, I am here."

4. Talk to God Throughout the Day

Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, famously spoke about "the practice of the presence of God." He believed that we could be just as close to God while washing dishes as we are while kneeling at an altar.

If you only talk to God during a "quiet time" in the morning, you are missing 95% of your life with Him. Getting closer to God means bringing Him into your commute, your boardroom meetings, your grocery shopping, and your parenting. This is what it means to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Practical Action: Use "trigger moments" to spark a quick prayer. Every time you stop at a red light or take a sip of water, say, "Thank You, Lord, for being with me right now."

5. Clear the Path Through Repentance and Forgiveness

Nothing dulls our spiritual senses faster than unconfessed sin or harbored bitterness. Think of it like a layer of dust on a window; the light is still there, but you can’t see it clearly.

Repentance isn't a "scary" word; it literally means to "change your mind" or "turn around." It is the act of saying, "Lord, this attitude or this habit is getting in the way of our relationship, and I want to turn back to You." Similarly, holding onto unforgiveness creates a wall between you and the Father.

Practical Action: Ask the Holy Spirit, "Is there anything in my heart that is hindering our closeness?" If a name or a situation comes to mind, deal with it immediately through confession or a decision to forgive.

6. Worship Through Your Unique Design

Many people think worship only happens in a church building with a band. But as a creative director and musician, I’ve learned that God is deeply moved when we use the specific gifts He gave us to reflect His glory.

For some, getting closer to God happens through music or art. For others, it’s through the "creativity" of problem-solving in business or the art of hospitality in the home. When you do what you were created to do with a heart of gratitude, you are participating in a divine act. Creativity is ministry.

Practical Action: Find a way to "create" something this week: a song, a meal, a well-written email, a garden: and offer it as a gift to God.

7. Join the Community of Seekers

Spiritual growth was never meant to be a solo sport. We are designed for connection. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to stir one another up toward love and good works. Often, God will speak a word of comfort or direction to you through the mouth of another believer.

Whether it’s a local church, a small group, or a mentoring relationship, being around others who are also pursuing God will sharpen your own faith. You need their perspective, and they need yours.

Practical Action: If you aren't connected, reach out to one person this week who inspires you spiritually and ask to grab coffee or hop on a call.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey

To help you take the next step toward intimacy, sit with these questions:

• What is the "noise" in my life right now that is making it hardest to hear God?

• Am I talking to God about my real life, or just my "religious" life?

• If I believed God was actually standing right next to me throughout the day, what would I say to Him?

• What is one small "1 percent better" habit I can start today to prioritize His presence? (Check out the 1 Percent Better Course for more on this).

Taking the First Step Today

Closeness with God is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s built in the thousands of small "yesses" we give Him every day. Don't feel overwhelmed by the list above. Just pick one area to focus on this week.

Whether you are a CEO leading a large team, a parent managing a busy household, or a creative searching for your next inspiration, your "True North" is found in the presence of God. He is not hiding from you; He is waiting for you.

If you are looking for more practical resources to strengthen your faith, leadership, or creative life, I invite you to explore my latest books and coaching programs at www.laynemcdonald.com. From emotional healing to digital wisdom, our mission is to help you take one faithful step closer to the life God has called you to live.