Can we really connect with God?

Connecting with God is easier than one might think. If you are asking the question, you’ve already taken the most important step: you believe that God exists. God promises to reveal himself to anyone who honestly and diligently seeks him. God’s revelation is all around us. From the complexity of each cell of your body to the vastness of the universe, God’s hand in creation is evident. The human mind reveals the work of a designer and creator that has gifted mankind with his own qualities of creativity, imagination, love, and so much more.

In Genesis, in the Bible, we read that after God created the universe, our world and everything on it, he created mankind.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26,27

Because we are made in God’s image, we are able to connect with him. The easiest way to connect is by talking and listening. Speak to God with your lips and with your thoughts. Ask him to reveal himself to you. Then listen. Listening can take many forms, but one of the best is to read the Bible, God’s Word, for in that book you will get to know God and his son, Jesus. You will “hear” in your heart and mind what he want to tell you. You will learn about his love for you and his desire to guide you along a way that brings life to you and those around you.

If you are able, get a Life Application Bible in a good modern translation like the New International Version (NIV) and start reading in the Gospel of John. You will definitely encounter and connect with God as you read the chapters and verses. Be sure to pay close attention to the footnotes that will help you better understand what you are reading.

In addition to reading the Bible, meditate on the scripture you are reading. As you do, you will gain insights into the nature and character of God and be able to discern his will for your life.

As you encounter Jesus in John’s Gospel, decide to put your faith and trust in him as both Savior and Lord. Why? Jesus is the key to your connection to God and to both a meaningful life and to eternal life.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6) His words here are both exclusive and all inclusive. That actually keeps things clear and simple. It is only Jesus and no one else.

Finally, have a quiet time of prayer each day with the Lord sharing your life and listening for God’s responses. When you practice these activities regularly you will get connected to God. Guaranteed! Then share what God has revealed to you with others. You will be empowered to love your neighbor as yourself with that unconditional love that God alone provides.