When I was 27 I finally felt the full pull of God, telling me to dive into relationship with Him. I was so excited and ready but I had no clue where to start.
Luckily I had a few friends to direct me, but it was a long road of figuring out how, what, when, where… All the things.
I created a 5 step guide to help you get started on your journey! Whether you are new to Christianity or you are returning to your faith, God is so happy you’re coming home to Him.
1.) PLUG IN
God did not call us to do this alone! Plug in! Find a church – research – most churches post their sermons online. I googled churches “near me”, watched a few, then went to their Instagram’s to see more of their posts and what their community looked like. I also went to their website and checked out their “beliefs” page to see if it aligned with mine.
When you find one you like, GO! When I first went, I sat in the furthest back row that I possibly could.. by myself. As I got more comfortable, I went through their “Growth Class”. There I learned more about Jesus, the church, and their beliefs.
Then, I joined small groups. They have everything from women and men’s groups, to financial freedom, to bible study, to sometimes fitness classes! It’s a great way to get into community with people that are interested in the same things as you.
Side Note: It’s okay to feel intimidated! Most people really aren’t as judgy or have it all together as we may think.
Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.”
2.) Open Your Bible
I HIGHLY suggest buying a bible that has a year plan. Here’s a link to my favorite one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949399583/ref=nosim?tag=brittanycor04-20 (it is an affiliate link but disclaimer: I only link products that I know are amazing from personal use)
My husband bought it for me 4 years ago and I still use it to this day! I even have tape holding some pages together because I love it that much!
So, “why do you love this bible, Brittany?”
Let me tell you….
- It has a bible one year reading plan. Daily you will read from the old testament, and new, along with psalms and proverbs.
- It has excerpts from pastors and leaders from all over. They break down some of the bible stories and make them relatable to us for better understanding.
You do not have to buy a bible though
You can download the YouVersion free bible app right to your phone. Did I mention, for free! They have many different versions. When I first started reading the bible I used the “easy-read” version and it broke it down for me. Even now, if there is something I don’t understand in one version I will flip over to another version for clarity. (I just suggest not starting with the King James version).
The free app also has a ton of free devotionals to do. They can be a few days long, or weeks. What topic are you wanting to study on? Anxiety, depression, growing your faith, healing?.. They have it all and everything in between.
Not a reader? That’s okay, the free app also has audio so it will read it to you if you prefer… It’s especially great for those on the go or with little time. Sometimes I even use it in the car, when I’m doing dishes or folding laundry.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
3.) PRAY
God wants to have a relationship with YOU! He doesn’t care that He already knows what’s going on in your life. He wants you to run to Him in the good and the bad. Go to Him when you’re overjoyed, He wants to rejoice with you! Go to Him when you’re crying, He wants to hold your hand. When you’re angry.. let it out! He wants to listen.
Prayers do not have to be this huge elaborate thing. In my angry moments when I felt like he wasn’t there, I’ve literally prayed:
“God, I am MAD at you! I have nothing else to say!”
But guess what, even that opens conversation with Him. Just as if you said that to your friend, sibling, spouse, children, or parents…
He will respond.
You just need to pray and wait… If you rush a quick prayer or only say it as you’re falling asleep (I am guilty of that), you won’t hear from Him. ( I dive deeper on this topic in my post “Hearing God”.)
4.) Journaling
This can be whatever that means to you! Writing, typing, creating collages of quotes..etc. I love to write! I journal in cursive and my hand just flows.
Journaling is great because as we get started, sometimes we don’t realize there’s something bothering us until we write it down, or maybe something we’re struggling with, or maybe it’s a huge win for you and you don’t realize how huge it really is until you write it down.
It’s also a great way to focus on prayers! Sometimes it’s hard to use our words to be vulnerable with God. Especially if we’re struggling with something, sometimes it’s easier to write it down in a prayer for Him. It’s also a great way to look back on your prayers and see what God has answered!
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
5.) PRACTICE GRATITUDE
I received a gratitude journal from my parents for Christmas and let me tell you how amazing it is! I write in it every. single. night. There’s 100’s on amazon to choose from. Mine was a little blue one from CVS.
You can make it part of your journaling on a piece of paper, you don’t have to buy anything. I just prefer it because:
1.) I don’t have to think about topics
2.) It takes me a few minutes and I actually look forward to it. Seeing my specific journal on my nightstand reminds me to write down a few of my “thank you’s” to God.
Side Note: You will have days where the only thing you are thankful for is that you made it through the day, or the cup of coffee you had in the morning. That is okay!
Want to get scientific? UCLA posted an article with all of the health benefits to practicing gratitude!
They mention: “Reduces depression, lessens anxiety, supports heart health, relieves stress, and improves sleep.” You can follow the link to read more:
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
Biblically speaking: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
It is extremely hard to be negative if you are consistently practicing thankfulness!
Leave a comment below if you have any questions!
Remember… God’s Got You.