By El Godanovska Joseph
Hard, unexpected changes can rock us to the core and even threaten our faith.
We may encounter many challenging seasons in life—like moving to a new city, changing careers, or losing a loved one—and not know the next step.
When I lost my mom in 2021 and then my dad in 2022, I felt like I had nothing to hold on to. Yet, I experienced God like never before in these seasons.
3 Ways to Draw Near to God
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” – John 16:33 HCSB
Nurturing your faith might feel almost impossible in trials, but here are three practical ways to draw near to God and rekindle your relationship with Him amid change.
1 – Prioritize Time in God’s Word
Change, no matter its nature, often causes doubt, fear, or spiritual drift. We can lose sight of God among the overwhelming emotions, feelings, and advice from well-meaning people.
Consciously or unconsciously, we may avoid God. In our trials and sorrows, we should acknowledge our need for the Lord and prioritize being in the Word daily.
It’s okay if it doesn’t look like past seasons.
After the loss of my parents, I could not wake up early for my quiet time, as was my habit. And for a long time, I felt guilty about it.
But, in God’s grace and mercy, He reminded me there is no condemnation in Christ (Rom 8:1).
Little by little, I started returning to the Bible. I created a new habit of leaving my Bible on my bed. Whenever I lay down or got up, I could pick it up and read.
When navigating difficult moments, feeding our hungry and tired souls is the priority over deep study of the Bible.
Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him because He will give them rest (Mt 11:28).
Start small. Pick one book and focus on it day by day.
The Psalms are a good book to read in uncertain moments. They have a wealth of comforting passages. In times of need, we can borrow the psalmists’ words and reach out to God.
Diving into the book of Proverbs offers guidance and wisdom on how to navigate life’s challenges.
The book of Job tells the story of a man who lost everything: wealth, family, and health. Job’s inner thoughts as he suffers are depicted, but he learns God is in control.
Even if you feel like God is far away, He promises to draw near to us as we draw near to Him (Jas 4:8). Choose to read from one of these books daily and experience His peace and comfort.
2 – Strengthen Your Prayer Life
When the future does not look like what we expect, we may worry. Worry is a natural response to the unknown. However, the Bible calls us to a higher standard.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He instructed people on how to lead a God-honoring life. In Matthew 6:27 HCSB, Jesus asked, “Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying?”
The answer is clearly “no.”
But if worry is such a natural response—a reflex even—how can we avoid it?
Philippians 4:6 HCSB tells us, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
These words from the book of Philippians exhort us to substitute worry and anxiety with prayer—and it does not need to be elaborate.
Simply direct those worrisome thoughts to God in prayer.
Instead of, “I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost,” try, “God, I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost.” This changes everything.
We are no longer talking into the void but communicating with our Father and drawing near to Him.
God hears when you call out for help (Ps 18:6)—never stop praying!
3 – Cultivate a Habit of Worship
Worshipping is a powerful way to draw near to God during life’s transitions. Worship takes the focus away from us and our circumstances and turns our gaze to Jesus.
Through worship, we can experience God’s presence. Worship reminds us of who God is and helps us reflect on His faithfulness, goodness, and mercy.
Praise and worship transform our inner state.
Pain and sorrow can change into joy.
In Psalm 95:2–3 HCSB, we read, “Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.”
Look for ways to sing to the Lord, for He is good. Play praise and worship music in your home and car.
Speak words of praise to the Lord throughout the day. Let the tears fall as you worship your Savior. Let your emotions and feelings flow while praising Jesus.
God is great, and He is King no matter the circumstances. Filling our minds with truths about God makes it difficult for the enemy to sow lies in our minds.
Draw Near to God in Uncertain Times
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13 HCSB
Life’s storms and disturbances can easily pull you away from God. When you feel like all hope is lost, remember you can rekindle your relationship with the Lord.
God loves you and desires intimacy with you.
He understands how you feel and your weaknesses (Heb 4:15).
Draw strength from the Lord and draw near to Him. Commit today to reading the Bible. Let Scripture lead you toward prayer and worship of the Lord.
God is waiting for you.
El Godanovska Joseph
El Godanovska is a faith-based blogger dedicated to providing biblical inspiration, insight, and encouragement to help others live as our Lord Jesus intends. Her writing focuses on guiding Christians toward spiritual growth, godly development, and a deeper connection with God. Find her on her blog, Instagram, and Pinterest.
