4 Ways to Grow Closer to God in 2021

January 14, 2021
The Life Church

Last year was a year of hard lessons learned! It forced us to slow down, taught stock of our lives, and evaluate what was truly essential.

However, today as we embrace a new year and prepare for a new season, let’s talk about 5 ways to help you establish healthy spiritual habits and stay focused on strengthening our relationship with Jesus.

2020 certainly reshaped the patterns that form the basis for our daily routines; whether that meant more time at home, working virtually and doing online education, being away from others, participating in church via your phone or laptop, and altering any form of entertainment that is audience-based.

While this is mostly still the case, the beginning of a brand-new year (2021) is the perfect time to push reset and prepare our hearts for what God has for us next.

 

Here are 4 …

 

1. Focus more on Jesus

 

Hebrews 3:1 – “Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus

  • As you take steps toward focusing on Him more today, why not try one of the following: download a Bible App – click here
  • Download a daily devotional (something simple and short to provide you with a little nugget or spiritual nourishment like this)
  • Try a pray App such as this one – com/discover

2. Schedule time with God each day

 

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

Why not begin 2021 (re)building a better habit of making time with God top priority?When you prioritize time with God, you allow Him to provide you with renewal and refreshing.

For those who are not morning people, first thing in the morning may not be best. But remember, it’s not about quantity but quality. As long as you are meaningfully able to connect with God on a consistent basis the relationship can grow and thrive.

3. Focus on what is in front of you

 

Philippians 3:13, 1413 Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

So much in our quarantined world remains unchanged, but there is the hope that God is preserving us for a purpose! There is a sovereign reason that we have been allowed to survive. So why not lean into the opportunity of engaging our assignment each day? While we cannot control the META realities and outcomes, we can choose to put one foot in front of the other and trust God to guide us as we go.

4. Remember who you belong to

 

1 Corinthians 6:19- 2019 … You are not you own; 20 you were brought with a price. Therefore honor God…

 

Everything that we have gone through over this past year, does not compare to what Jesus purposefully and painful went through to secure our place of permanence in heavenly paradise. Our lives (health, safety, and futures) are in the hands of Him of fashioned this world through the gentle and powerful command of His creative voice.

Blessings always,

We love you and there’s nothing that anyone can do about it!

– Pastor Eric Hatcher