Growing Closer to God, One Day at a Time
Sometimes I find myself wondering what it really means to desire God. It’s not just about acknowledging His existence. It’s about longing for a relationship so real it shapes my daily life. The journey, I’ve discovered, isn’t a race or a mountain to summit in one leap. Instead, it’s a gentle unfolding. It is like the dawn, slow but certain. It is made up of countless, ordinary moments. In these moments, my heart reaches for something more.
Understanding the Longing
There’s a beauty in the idea that wanting God is more than a fleeting feeling. It’s a conscious, ongoing choice: to seek Him with my mind, my emotions, my actions, and my hopes. I’m reminded of Psalm 42, where the psalmist compares their longing for God to a deer desperate for water. That image, vivid and earnest, prompts me to ask: Do I need God as much as I need breath? Do I need Him as much as sustenance? Sometimes, the answer is yes. Sometimes, I feel distracted or distant. But the longing remains—a gentle pull back to the source of life.
Learning to Put God First
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 urge me to “seek first the kingdom of God.” This isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to reorder my life. Worries, ambitions, and plans vie for my attention every day. I often find myself wrestling to keep God at the center. Yet when I try—I pause and offer my anxious thoughts to Him. I sense a quiet reassurance that God is aware of my needs. He will take care of the rest.
Practical Steps Toward Desire
· Prayer: I used to think prayer required eloquence, but experience has taught me otherwise. Most days, my prayers are simple: honest words whispered as I walk, sit, or work. God isn’t looking for performance, just conversation.
· Reading Scripture: Opening the Bible, even for a few verses, is sometimes all it takes to spark reflection. Some passages strike me deeply, others leave questions. Yet I find there’s blessing in the habit, just as Psalm 1 promises.
· Worship: Music has a way of opening my heart. Singing, listening to worship songs, or expressing gratitude quietly is a form of worship. These activities realign my focus and draw me closer.
· Living It Out: Desire isn’t passive. It compels me to act—to be honest, kind, forgiving when it’s hard, and to make choices that reflect God’s character. Jesus’ words in John 14:15 serve as a gentle reminder that love for God finds expression in obedience.
· Community: I’ve learned that I can’t grow alone. Friends, mentors, and church family encourage and challenge me, especially when my faith feels thin. Their presence reminds me that God often meets us through others.
Managing the Ebbs and Flows
If I’m honest, my desire for God isn’t always steady. Distractions, disappointments, and spiritual dryness visit me as they do everyone. The parable in Matthew 13:22 about worries and the lure of “stuff” feels especially relevant. Yet I take comfort in James 1:12, which assures that endurance brings reward. God isn’t asking for perfection, just persistence—a willingness to keep seeking, even when the path is unclear.
Help from the Holy Spirit
What’s most reassuring is knowing I’m not alone. The Holy Spirit is a constant companion, interceding when I lack words and strengthening me to live faithfully. Romans 8:26-27 reminds me that the Spirit understands even my deepest groans. It’s this Spirit-led help that nudges me, day by day, toward a deeper desire for God.
Conclusion: Small Steps, Lasting Change
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that cultivating a deep desire for God isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, faithful choices. This means talking to Him and listening. It includes worshipping and living out His love. It also involves staying connected with others who share the same longing. There will be setbacks, but God’s grace is persistent, working in the background even when I can’t see it.
Each day offers a new beginning. With a little perseverance, I notice my desire for God is slowly and steadily growing. This change is not just altering my actions; it is transforming my heart from the inside out.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 