Drawing Closer to Jesus: Strengthening Your Faith Journey

One of our greatest desires as Christian women is to deepen our relationship with Jesus. Letting our spiritual focus slip in a world filled with distractions and challenges can be easy. Yet, nothing is more important than drawing closer to Christ and allowing Him to guide every aspect of our lives. When we put Jesus at the center, everything else begins to fall into place.

In James 4:8 (KJV), we are reminded, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” This powerful promise assures us that when we seek God and grow in our relationship with Him, He meets us right where we are. The more we turn to Him, the more we experience His presence, love, and grace.

Why Drawing Closer to Jesus Matters

1. Jesus is Our Foundation
   When we draw closer to Jesus, we strengthen the foundation of our faith. He becomes the solid rock upon which everything in our lives is built. Zig Ziglar once said, “You’ve got to be before you can do, and do before you can have.” This speaks to the importance of being rooted in Christ before we can truly live out His purpose. We cannot be the women God has called us to be unless we are first grounded in Him.

2. Jesus Brings Peace
   The closer we draw to Jesus, the more peace we experience, even during life’s storms. In John 14:27 (KJV), Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This peace depends not on circumstances but on our trust in Him. By drawing near Christ, we can navigate life’s challenges with calm assurance, knowing He is in control.

3. Jesus Empowers Us to Serve Others
   As we deepen our relationship with Jesus, we can serve others with love and compassion. Just as Christ came to serve, we are called to serve those around us. Zig Ziglar wisely said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” When we draw close to Jesus, we become more like Him—compassionate, kind, and eager to help those in need. Our transformation allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

How to Draw Closer to Jesus

1. Spend Time in God’s Word
   One of the most effective ways to draw closer to Jesus is by immersing ourselves in His Word. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, filled with wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) reminds us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture. The more we saturate our minds and hearts with God’s Word, the more we grow in our knowledge of Him.

2. Pray Without Ceasing
   Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. Through prayer, we share our hearts with Him, listen for His voice, and invite Him into every area of our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) encourages us to “Pray without ceasing.” This means keeping an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. Whether in moments of joy, stress, or uncertainty, we can always pray to Jesus and know He hears us.

3. Worship Him Daily
   Worship is a powerful way to draw near to Jesus. It allows us to express our love, gratitude, and adoration for who He is and what He has done in our lives. Worship can take many forms—singing, praying, reflecting on His goodness, or simply thanking Him for His blessings. Psalm 95:6 (KJV) says, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” As we worship, we open our hearts to experience God’s presence in deeper and more meaningful ways.

The Blessing of Being Close to Jesus

When we try to draw closer to Jesus, we experience the fullness of life He offers. Our hearts are filled with peace, His truth renews our minds, and His love strengthens our spirits. Zig Ziglar put it beautifully: "When you put faith, hope, and love together, you can raise positive kids in a negative world.” The same is true for us—when we anchor ourselves in Christ, we can rise above the challenges of this world with faith, hope, and love.

In conclusion, drawing closer to Jesus is not just a one-time act but a lifelong journey. Each day, we have the opportunity to seek Him more, grow in our faith, and experience the transformative power of His presence. As we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live the abundant life He has prepared for us.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Let us commit to drawing closer to Jesus today, trusting that He will meet us with His love and grace and lead us into the fullness of life He has promised.

Drawing Closer to Jesus: Strengthening Your Faith Journey