By now, we know that the secret to a victorious Christian life, the sort that will be able to withstand the pressures of times like the one we’re in now, is by staying connected to Christ. We also know the benefits of connecting to Him, and some practical ways we can do so.
However, knowing what to do is different from actually doing it. Many people fall by the wayside because of the pressures and distractions of life. The bad news we hear all around us these days can sink us into despair, and an overscheduled existence can lead to a focus in a direction away from God. How do we get a handle on our connection with Christ?
Create Safe Places
Firstly, we can create safe places. Like Jesus Himself did in Mark 1:35, we need to create a place for ourselves, where we can withdraw from all the noise and distractions of the world. In such places, we can quiten our hearts and spirits, and learn how to be conscious of the little moments of silence and solitude.
In such moments of silence, we can start to focus in on Jesus. We put out of our mind for a while our concerns and troubles, create a room of quietness within our hearts, and in such a manner, start to commune on a personal level with Him.
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it,” wrote brother Lawrence.
It is not about a specific devotional hour, which can lead to routine and legalism, but about a devoted life. Such safe places are immensely valuable to every Christian who wants an intimate relationship with Christ.
Cultivate a Fixed Routine
Secondly, we can create a fixed routine. Creating a fixed routine does not mean that we systemize our relationship with God into a fixed time-table. It means that we’re consistently in touch with God, conversing with Him, and discerning of His direction in our every decision in life.
It need not necessarily only be while we’re doing something spiritual. It may be while reading a good novel, listening to our favourite classical music, or while driving to work. Whatever it is, do it with an attention to His voice. Rest in His presence. Meditate on His word that we have received for the day. Keep it simple and spontaneous instead of through a rigid regimentation.
Brother Lawrence wrote, “He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can.
Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”
Capture Your Reflection
In our moments of solitude with God, reading His word, praying to Him, very often He will give us a Rhema word for a specific situation. In such moments, learn to capture our reflections and record our conversations with God. Keep a journal.
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As we travel on our journey with Him, and at the mid-point or end of our earthly life, that journal we kept will be a powerful reminder of how God took us through past challenges, and how faithful He was in all those times. It will keep us strong in current moments of trials and loneliness.
Journaling the journey brings out the full resonance of our walk with God. We have been encouraged and inspired so many times by numerous devotional classics, written by people like Teresa of Avila and the other contemplative giants of faith. Our own journal will be infinitely more valuable to us because it is personal.
Commit to Be Accountable
Being a lone ranger can be a forlorn experience. And besides, we need people to whom we can be accountable to, to keep us in check, and so that we may be able to recognize our blind spots. We need to meet with an accountability partner so that we can share what we have gleaned from our devotions.
A large number of Biblical figures had mentors, even people like Joshua, David, and Elisha. For Christians today, carecell is probably the best platform we can do this and the most natural place to begin a mentoring relationship.
Above all, the key to a connection with God is to have a fresh hunger for His presence. The Lord says in Jeremiah 6:16, “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, Godly way, and walk in it. Travel in its path and you will find rest”.
What is this old ancient path? It is obedience to God, the key to connecting to Him, gained by having a relationship and conversing with Him. Seek to stand at the crossroad and ask for the ancient paths. We need to go back to the basics of being connected with God again.
NOTE: The pointers in this article were inspired by a sermon received recently by the writer.
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Jason Law
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