Drawing closer to God is the desire of every believer. Today, we’ll uncover what the Bible says about deepening our relationship with Him.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Closed Minds
What Does The Bible Say About Closer To God
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a sincere heart. When we make the effort to come closer to God, He promises to respond and come close to us. It reminds us that developing a closer relationship with God requires intentional action on our part.
Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
In this verse, the psalmist declares his desire and determination to be near God. He recognizes the goodness and security that comes from being in God’s presence. The psalmist also commits to proclaiming God’s works, highlighting the intimacy and trust he has in his relationship with the Lord.
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
This verse urges believers to approach God with authenticity and faith. By drawing near to Him with a sincere heart, we can experience the assurance and forgiveness that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal as we seek to be closer to God.
Psalm 145:18
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Here, the psalmist proclaims that God is close to those who genuinely seek Him. The Lord hears and responds to those who call upon Him with honesty and sincerity. This verse reminds us that as we reach out to God in truth, He will draw near to us, strengthening our connection with Him.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages His followers to actively seek a closer relationship with God through prayer and perseverance. As we ask, seek, and knock, God promises to respond and open doors for us, leading us into greater intimacy with Him.
Psalm 42:1-2
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
The psalmist uses the imagery of a deer longing for water to depict his deep longing for God’s presence. His soul yearns to be close to God, recognizing that true fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in Him. This verse reflects the intense desire to meet with God and experience His nearness.
Psalm 73:25
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
Here, the psalmist acknowledges that there is no one in heaven or anything on earth that compares to God. He recognizes that true fulfillment and joy can only be found in a close relationship with the Lord. This verse conveys the importance of prioritizing God above all else in our lives.
John 14:23
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’ “
Jesus declares that those who love Him and keep His commandments will experience the indwelling presence of both Himself and the Father. It emphasizes that obedience to Christ’s teachings is a vital aspect of drawing closer to God and abiding in His presence.
Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
This verse reveals the psalmist’s singular desire to dwell in God’s presence continually. It captures the longing to experience the beauty and goodness of the Lord. The psalmist recognizes that true fulfillment can only be found by seeking and dwelling in the house of the Lord.
Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
This passage encourages individuals to seek the Lord while He can still be found and calls them to repentance. It emphasizes the need to turn away from sinful behavior and thoughts and to turn towards God, who offers mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us that by seeking God, we can experience His closeness and pardon.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
These words from the prophet Jeremiah assure us that if we earnestly and wholeheartedly seek God, He will be found by us. It highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion and sincere pursuit in developing a closer relationship with the Lord.
John 15:4
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Jesus teaches that in order to bear spiritual fruit and grow in our relationship with Him, we must remain connected to Him, just as a branch depends on the vine for nourishment and sustenance. This verse underscores the necessity of abiding in Christ for a deep and intimate union with God.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Here, the psalmist acknowledges that God is the source of true joy and fulfillment. By being in God’s presence, we can experience the richness of His blessings and the assurance of eternal life. This verse affirms that drawing near to God leads to deep joy and lasting satisfaction.
Philippians 3:10
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
The apostle Paul expresses his earnest desire to know Christ intimately, not only in His resurrection power but also in sharing in His sufferings. This verse highlights the importance of identifying with the experiences of Christ in order to draw closer to Him and grow in intimacy with our Savior.
Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
The psalmist declares the goodness and joy that comes from being close to God. By making the Lord his refuge and continually proclaiming God’s works, the psalmist displays a deep intimacy with God. This verse signifies the importance of seeking and remaining in close fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
Psalm 145:18-19
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
These verses reveal that God is near to those who sincerely pray to Him and approach Him with truth and reverence. The Lord not only hears their cries but also answers their prayers and fulfills their righteous desires. This passage reassures us that by seeking the Lord, we can experience His closeness and find fulfillment in Him.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Jesus declares that He is the only way to the Father and the source of truth and eternal life. This verse highlights the indispensable nature of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in drawing close to God. It underscores the need to acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and follow Him to experience the fullness of a close connection with the Father.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
These words of assurance from God remind us that He is always with us, providing strength, help, and protection. By trusting in Him and drawing closer to God, we can find comfort and renewed confidence in His presence, knowing that He upholds us with His righteous hand.
John 15:7
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Jesus teaches that abiding in Him and allowing His words to dwell in us empowers our prayers to be answered according to God’s will. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Christ through His Word, which in turn leads to a deepened intimacy with God and answered prayers.
Psalm 148:14
“And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.”
This verse celebrates God’s favor and closeness to His people. They are described as “close to His heart.” Through praise and worship, we can draw nearer to God, experiencing His love and grace. This passage encourages us to praise the Lord and celebrate our proximity to His loving care.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
This verse affirms that as believers behold the glory of the Lord, we are continually transformed into His likeness by the work of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ and growing closer to God as we fix our eyes on His glory and allow His Spirit to work within us.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their thoughts and desires on heavenly things, prioritizing a spiritual mindset over worldly concerns. By intentionally fixing our minds on godly things, we can cultivate a closer relationship with God and experience His presence more fully.
Psalm 119:151
“Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true.”
Through this verse, the psalmist acknowledges God’s nearness and the reliability of His commands. It reinforces the truth that as we engage with God’s Word, we can draw closer to Him, recognizing His presence and receiving His wisdom and guidance through His teachings.
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In times of brokenness and distress, this verse provides great comfort. It assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted and offers salvation to those who are crushed in spirit. By drawing near to God in our pain and seeking His comfort, we can experience His closeness and find healing for our wounded souls.
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
This verse affirms that Jesus is able to save and intercede for all who come to God through Him. As our High Priest, He continually intercedes on our behalf, bridging the gap between us and the Father. It reminds us that by approaching God through Jesus, we can experience salvation and grow in intimacy with Him.
In our journey of drawing closer to God, these verses provide essential guidance and encouragement. They remind us of the importance of seeking God with a sincere heart, turning away from sin, and focusing our thoughts and desires on Him. Through prayer, obedience, and immersing ourselves in His Word, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that come from a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. May these verses inspire us to pursue and cultivate a closer walk with God each day.