Growing Deep in God

The key to a spiritually healthy relationship with God lies in our devotional life. Here we are not talking about just a scheduled quiet time of 20 minutes in the morning. A devotional life is marked by constant fellowship with God and a commitment to please Him in all things. It has to be based on a relationship which is developed intentionally and consistently. To reach a spiritual level of passion, excitement and adoration for the Lord calls for a specific attitude and approach.

Set aside regular times to meet the Lord
Work, shopping, food, television, children - Our lives are as busy as we make them out to be. Going on our regular dates with our Heavenly Father requires setting aside purposeful time to spend with Him no matter how packed our schedules are. He was probably the busiest Teacher and Mentor of His time, yet Jesus rose to pray ‘early in the morning’ during the fourth watch between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. (Mark 1:35) The king of a mighty nation, David prayed in the ‘evening, morning and noon’. (Psalm 55:17) A key administrator of government of Babylon, Daniel prayed three times a day in spite of King Darius’ decree which would endanger his life. (Daniel 6:7-10) Surely we too can make time.

Praise God
Praise delights God. Take time to exalt His attributes. “Lord, You are our Shepherd and we lack nothing (Psalm 23); You are our refuge and strength and we are not afraid of trouble (Psalm 46:1); You are the Vine and we, Your branches; we can do nothing without You (John 15:5).” Sing hymns and songs of worship, such as ‘Have Thine Own Way, Lord’ or ‘Jesus We Enthrone You’.

Pray using Scripture
We cannot go wrong when we pray according to God’s Word. God’s liberating laws and abundant promises in the Scriptures are made and declared within His sovereign will and His purpose to prosper us. Jesus has assured us that prayers of this kind will be answered: ‘If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.’ (John15:7) Deposit Scripture in your heart through memory. ‘When you walk, (God’s words) will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.’ (Proverbs 6:22)

Converse with God constantly
Talk to God, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit at all times. Whether you are working in your office, washing the dishes in the kitchen or driving the car to pick someone up, call upon God. We need not engage in long, rambling discourses. Make your prayers brief and specific but regular throughout the day. There are many ways of conversing: Confess your shortcomings to the Lord. Give thanks to Him. Intercede for others.

PRAYER RESPONSE
We were created to fellowship with God our Father. Let us seek the rich devotional life He has intended for us. Personalise this prayer based on Isaiah 58:11 and claim God’s promises - the benefits are abundant.

Lord, I yearn for a deeper devotional life. I surrender my life to You. You will guide me always; You will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen my frame. I will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’