Ten Ways to Simplify Your Relationship With God

Do you ever feel life is too complicated? Or that your relationship with God is too complex? If so, here are ten ways to simplify and live.

1. Turn the volume down. Way down.

The world is too loud. You can’t hear God’s whisper in a traffic jam. Or a crowded schedule. Or during a day full of distractions. Find a quiet place. Rest. Focus on God. You’ll be blessed.

2. Stop counting likes and start receiving Love.

We like approval from others. Some of us love it. For many of us, our well-being is based on a like button. We ask a question like: “What will others think?” And, we live in an age where we can find out what others think, instantly. Good luck with that. Our lives will be much more simple, and a whole lot better, if we asked a different question: “What does God think?” In case you are wondering: You are loved. You are accepted. You are God’s masterpiece. It’s amazing stuff.

3. Take a bite of the elephant every day. 

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. And so it is with Scripture. Just read a little bit daily. Daily. Every day. Sometimes it will be a fairly neutral experience. Sometimes God will speak clearly and convincingly. Soon enough, you will be the delighted owner of a biblical worldview.

4. Get past your past.

Don’t let your past hurts harm your future. Don’t let your past failures define your future. God is a God of healing and second chances. 

5. See others through God’s eyes.

Interpersonal conflict will clutter your life with God, if you let it. Don’t let it. Try to see others like God sees them. Even if you have to do so through clenched teeth. 

6. Start waiting for some patience.

You have your schedule of how and when things should happen. God’s timing is independent of your desires. God not only knows who and what and how—God knows when. Practice patience. 

7. Forget fear. Choose courage.

Fear causes you to miss too much life. Courage means something else is more important than your comfort. Take a risk. Don’t be afraid to fail. Your best life will only happen if you can overcome a few fears.

8. Pray like a child. And like a well-adjusted adult.

Kids use simple sentences. They are straightforward. They speak what is on their mind and do so often. A well-adjusted adult listens frequently and with great skill. When you pull these two things off when communicating with God, your prayer life and your life will be revolutionized. 

9. Stop comparing and start thanking.

Comparison is brutal. Whether you win or lose the comparison game—you lose the comparison game. Stop. Play another game. Thank God and others as often as you can. 

10. Cut the strings and serve away.

Serve others with no strings attached. Frequently and faithfully. Love like God loved. Friends. Foes. Family. Foreigners. Whoever. Strings complicate. Service unites.

The best it yet to come…

Craig