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So...You Want to Talk to God
So you want to talk to God yet feel unsure about how to begin. Thoughts rise up like: Is God really there? Will He listen? Will He answer me? Does He really care? You may wonder if you are worthy of approaching Him at all if something you’ve done in your life has disqualified you for a relationship with Him. These questions are common, but God has already provided clear answers in His Word.
Here’s the good news: God wants a real, ongoing relationship with you, and He’s already opened the door. “Look! I stand at the door and knock...we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20). Talking to God is not complicated. It is your first step into fellowship with the One who loves you. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).
God Already Made the First Move
“How?” you might ask. How did God make the first move toward you? Before you ever tried to talk to God, He moved toward you in love. God initiated the relationship. He cleared every barrier. He reached out, offering fellowship and promising access for you to talk to Him. He promised in His Word saying, “Everything I have is available to you.”
The single barrier that once separated you from Him—sin—has already been removed through Jesus’ sacrifice. He took your place so you could freely come into God’s presence. “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Now that sin has been dealt with, God moves toward you with His arms open wide, waiting to talk with you. That’s why Hebrews 4:16 invites you, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.”
Let Go of the Formulas
Many people think they must talk to God through a certain person, in a certain way or only when they feel spiritual enough. But Jesus removed every barrier. You can speak with God directly, honestly and without fear. “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
If you’re unsure what to say, know that you can talk to God about any and everything. Remember: Talking to God is simply conversation. Think of how a child talks to a loving parent. It doesn’t require perfect words. It’s not scripted, not formal, just real, open-hearted dialogue.
Here’s some good news. Your communication with Him isn’t powered by your perfection; it’s powered by faith in His love. Romans 8:38-39 reminds you that nothing can separate you from God’s Love, not your past, not your emotions and not your questions. When you talk to God, you are talking to Someone who loves you completely.
God Desires Ongoing Connection
God isn’t satisfied with a one-day-a-week relationship any more than your spouse and children would be. Every strong, meaningful relationship is built moment by moment, memory by memory over time. God invites daily fellowship. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland often teach that faith in God’s promises grows as you spend time in His Word and presence. “Draw near to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:8, ESV).
This relationship builds confidence, and your confidence in what God says causes you to relax and depend on His ability and desire to perform His Word.
Problems come, but you can lean back on Him and hear His solution. Put all your worries on Him, because He loves you and cares enough about you to give you peace in the storms, comfort in sadness and hope in uncertainty. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).
As you talk to God, this ongoing connection allows you to be more aware of His wisdom, His guidance and His presence. It’s OK to check in with God throughout the day: “Lord, what do You think about this?” or “Thank You for helping me right now.”
Practical Ways To Build Your Confidence:
- When doubts arise, say out loud: “Because of Jesus, I can talk to God freely.”
- Approach God confidently when you feel imperfect. He welcomes you because of Christ.
- Begin your prayer by thanking God for making a way for you to come to Him.
So you want to talk to God. The wonderful truth is this: God wants to talk to you even more!
Because of Jesus, nothing separates you from Him. Talking to God isn’t complicated, restricted or reserved for perfect people. It’s the open invitation of a loving Father who has already made a way for you to come boldly and confidently. The moment you turn your attention toward Him, He hears you.
When you choose to talk honestly with God, you’ll discover a sweet way of life with the God who will never leave you. “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5). God is listening. God is near. And God is ready to respond with mercy, wisdom and grace.