Have you ever prayed and wondered if God was listening? What about asking God to speak to you, but all you here is the quietness that surrounds you? Well I am here to say I have assuredly experienced both.

My relationship with Christ has been quiet the journey. I have been a devout Christian my whole life, but I didn’t know what having an authentic relationship with Christ was until I truly reached rock bottom. I didn’t experience God’s love and presence until the tail end of high school in the midst of facing my first major trial and heartbreak.

God has always been and will always be ever-present in our lives, however, He especially makes Himself known during our trials. That is one of the many wonderful aspects about Him.

With all of that said, I realize that everyone has a different approach to how he or she builds a relationship, however, here are a few things that have worked for me in strengthening my relationship with Christ.

1. Set aside time for God each day.

Building a relationship with Christ is just like building a relationship with someone here on earth. It takes a lot of work and trust for that surface-level relationship to turn into something authentic and deep. That said, by praying, meditating and getting into His word each day, even for 30 minutes, you will start to see who your Lord is and how He speaks to us.

2. Start a daily devotional.

A good way to spend time with God on a daily basis is through a devotional. I read a devotional titled Jesus Calling written by Sarah Young who was inspired by the Lord and His teachings. The amount of times that God has spoken to me through this devotional is uncountable. I encourage you to pick up a devotional and listen to God speak!

3. Listen to worship music.

Music is a form of art, which speaks to us and triggers our brain in a way that print simply cannot do. Accordingly, listening to Christian music is a great way to grow closer to God. You will be pleasantly surprised how much you can connect with the Lord merely through listening to Christ-filled songs.

4. Join a church or a youth group.

Being in communion with other Christians is important for so many reasons. Not only does it allow us to bond over a similar connection, but it offers the opportunity to grow with and support fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The bible constantly preaches on the importance of fellowship with others. Ecclesiastes, a book in the Bible, portrays this idea best, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”

5. Put God’s truths to work.

God’s love can never be explained; it can only be experienced. No matter how large or minute a setback may be, you must remember that it is a perfect arrangement in God’s eyes. This allows you to put His truths to work and watch His promises be fulfilled. By doing so, you will first handedly see the activeness of His goodness and love in your life.