Brace For Impact!
If you’ve ever thought, I want to get closer to God but I can’t seem to hear Him, you’re not alone. We live in constant noise… news, notifications, and there’s always the next thing around the corner.
I spent years loving Jesus… having faith in God… and still feeling unsure, wondering how to grow spiritually when my mind felt crowded and my heart felt tired.
I wondered if I would ever experience the depth of Jesus Christ…
I prayed, I waited, and for days or sometimes weeks… it just felt quiet.
Part of the silence (I think), came from old wounds. Trauma taught me to brace for impact instead of rest.
I carried that into adulthood and into my faith.
I believed in God’s promises, but I wasn’t sure how to become closer with God in everyday life. I kept asking, what is my next step? how do I get closer to God for real?
Shame tried to tell me I should already “know.” So I stayed stuck… busy on the outside, restless on the inside.
Here’s what began to change everything: simple, repeatable practices that made space for Jesus… paired with a gentle resource that helped me notice Him in ordinary days.
A gentle path to get closer to God
- One-minute pause. Hand on heart, whisper: “Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You.” Repeat until your shoulders drop. (The free One Minute Pause app from Wild at Heart helps you build this into your day.)
- Breath prayer. Inhale: “You are with me.” Exhale: “I am not alone.” (go here for more breath prayers)
- Scripture out loud. Read and say a verse… let truth settle your nervous system. (go here for more info on the power of saying scripture out loud)
- Journal one honest line. “Today I need…,” “Today I noticed…,” or “I’m afraid of… but choosing faith in God.” (See more Journal prompts)
- Put God first (tiny choices). Phone down before bed, Bible first in the morning. Small, steady choices help you grow closer to God as a Christian. (here’s a great biblical evening routine)
- Take a Sabbath from noise. One hour a day away from tech (or one evening a week) to sit with Him… no agenda, just presence.
Experience the Depth of Jesus Christ… Really
This is the book that helped me hear Him:
Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge gave me language and practices for daily encounters with God… not just ideas about Him. It’s designed to help you actually experience the depth of Jesus Christ in the middle of a distracted life, and it’s paired with a study guide and video sessions if you want to go deeper.
A 7-Day “Closer to God” Micro-Plan
Day 1: Surrender: One-minute pause + Psalm 23 out loud.
Day 2: Scripture: Read John 15; jot one line: “What I heard was…”
Day 3: Listen: 5 quiet minutes; ask, “Jesus, what do You want me to know today?”
Day 4: Walk: 10-minute walk without headphones; notice creation and pray.
Day 5: Confess: Name one thing anxious about; give it to Him; ask for peace.
Day 6: Practice presence: Breath prayer during chores: “You are with me.”
Day 7: Celebrate: Write three “God sightings” from this week… little mercies are not little.
If you like a praying aesthetic or faith aesthetic, curate a small corner: Bible, candle, journal, and a few pics for vision board that remind you to put God first. Simple cues help your heart return to Him.
FAQ for a Quiet Heart
- How to grow closer to God when you feel nothing? Keep showing up. Choose small, daily practices over big, occasional ones.
- How to deepen your relationship with God when you’re busy? Pair prayer with habits you already do… driving, dishes, walking.
- How to grow spiritually when you’re hurting? Bring the pain; Jesus meets you there.
Why this matters to me
There were seasons I could only pray, “God, I need You.” He met me… even when I didn’t feel it. Over time, I noticed His fingerprints: a well-timed text, peace that made no sense, a Scripture that landed like an answer. I’m still learning, still growing, but I can say with confidence: Closer to God is possible in ordinary days.
Gentle Resources I Recommend
- Experience Jesus. Really. (book)… a practical guide to daily encounters with Jesus.
- One Minute Pause app (free)… guided pauses to help you notice God in your day.
- Faith and Action Bundle (for entrepreneurs)… if you run a business, these short PDFs help you put God first in goals, habits, and workflow.
Final Thoughts
If you long to experience the depth of Jesus Christ, start where you are. Not with perfection… but with presence. One pause. One verse. One honest prayer. He’s not far off; He’s here, and He’s for you. Keep opening the door, and you’ll find Him in the very places you thought were too ordinary.
Until next time…