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Q & A.

How can I have a closer relationship with God?

Answer
Developing a closer relationship with God is an admirable goal and reflects a heart that is truly reborn, for only those who are in Christ desire a closer relationship with God. We must also understand that in this life we will never be as close to God as we ought to be or desire to be. The reason for this is lingering sin in our lives. This is not a deficiency on God’s part, but on ours; our sin remains a barrier to the full and complete fellowship with God which will be realized once we’re in glory. 

Even the apostle Paul, who had about as close a relationship as one could probably have with God in this life, still longed for a closer relationship: “Indeed, I count every thing as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:8-9). No matter where we are in our walk with Christ, we can always have a closer walk, and, even glorified in heaven, we will have all eternity to grow in our relationship with the Lord.

There are five basic things we can do to have a closer relationship with God. 

The first thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to make a daily habit of confessing our sin to Him. If sin is the barrier in our relationship with God, then confession removes that barrier. When we confess our sins before God, He promises to forgive us (1 John 1:9), and forgiveness is what restores a relationship that has been strained. We must keep in mind that confession is more than simply saying, “I’m sorry for my sin, God.” It is the heartfelt contrition of those who recognize that their sin is an offense to a holy God. It is the confession of one who realizes that his sin is what nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. It is the cry of the publican in Luke 18 who said, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” As King David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

The second thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to listen when God speaks. Many today are chasing a supernatural experience of hearing God’s voice, but the apostle Peter tells us that we “have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). That “more sure prophetic word” is the Bible. In the Bible, we “hear” God’s voice to us. It is through the “God-breathed” Scriptures that we become “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So if we want to grow closer to God, we should read His Word regularly. In reading His Word, we are “listening” to God speak through it by his Spirit who illuminates the Word to us.

The third thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to speak to Him through prayer. If reading the Bible is listening to God speak to us, speaking to God is accomplished through prayer. The Gospels often record Jesus secreting Himself away to commune with His Father in prayer. Prayer is much more than simply a way to ask God for things we need or want. Consider the model prayer that Jesus gives His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. The first three petitions in that prayer are directed toward God (may His name be hallowed, may His kingdom come, may His will be done). The last three petitions are requests we make of God after we’ve taken care of the first three (give us our daily bread, forgive us our debts, lead us not into temptation). Another thing we can do to revive our prayer lives is to read the Psalms. Many of the Psalms are heartfelt cries to God for various things. In the Psalms we see adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplication modeled in a divinely inspired way.

The fourth thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to find a body of believers with whom we can regularly worship. This is such a vital component of spiritual growth. Too often, we approach church with a “what can I get out of it?” mentality. We seldom take the time to prepare our hearts and minds for worship. Again, the Psalms show us many calls from God to His people to come and worship the Lord (for example, Psalm 95:1-2). God invites us, commands us, to come into His presence for worship. How can we, His people, fail to respond? Not only does regular church attendance give us an opportunity to come before the Lord’s presence in worship, but it also gives us an opportunity to fellowship with the Lord’s people. As we come into the house of the Lord in worship and fellowship with His people, we can’t help but grow closer to the Lord as a result.

Finally, a closer relationship with God is built upon a life of obedience. Jesus told His disciples in the upper room, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:23). James tells us that as we submit ourselves to God through obedience, resist the devil, and draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:7-8). Paul tells us in Romans that our obedience is our “living sacrifice” of thanksgiving to God (Romans 12:1). We must keep in mind that all biblical exhortations to obedience are presented as our response to the grace of God we receive in salvation. We don’t earn salvation through our obedience; rather, it is the way we show our love and gratitude toward God.

So, through confession, Bible study, prayer, regular church attendance, and obedience, we can develop a closer relationship with God. It seems rather simple, if not simplistic. But consider this: how do we develop a closer relationship with other human beings? We spend time with them in conversation, opening our hearts to them and listening to them at the same time. We acknowledge when we’ve done wrong and seek forgiveness. We seek to treat them well and sacrifice our own needs to fulfill theirs. It’s not really that different with our relationship to our Heavenly Father.

Hallelujah.

What does “Hallelujah” mean?

What does “hallelujah” mean?

Origins and Etymology

The term “hallelujah” is a transliteration of two Hebrew words: “hallelu,” meaning “praise,” and “Yah,” a shortened form of “Yahweh,” the personal name of God. Combined, they convey “Praise Yahweh.” This expression occurs primarily in the Psalms and encapsulates heartfelt worship directed toward the Creator. Ancient manuscript evidence-including texts found at Qumran (part of the Dead Sea Scrolls)-confirms the longstanding usage and spelling of this term, illustrating its deeply rooted presence in biblical worship language.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, “hallelujah” appears prominently within the Psalms, typically introducing or concluding passages of praise. Well-known examples include Psalms 106, 111-113, 117, 135, and 146-150 in the Berean Standard Bible. For instance, Psalm 106:1 opens with:

“Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

These occurrences underscore a communal call to worship. Ancient Jewish tradition often employed the word antiphonally: one group of singers would proclaim “hallelujah,” and others would respond with declarations of God’s work or character. The cyclical refrain became a dynamic way of emphasizing adoration for the Lord.

New Testament Usage

Although “hallelujah” is most frequently mapped to its Hebrew context in the Old Testament, the Greek transliteration “alleluia” appears in the New Testament, especially in Revelation 19. Here the word resonates with the same sense of praising God for His mighty deeds and salvation:

• Revelation 19:1: “After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!’”

• Revelation 19:6: “Then I heard a sound like the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters or the loud rumbling of thunder, saying: ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.’”

These verses depict a future heavenly celebration, where the same Hebrew exclamation rings out in praise for God’s victorious reign. Such continuity between the Old and New Testaments demonstrates the unified message of Scripture extolling God’s power and majesty.

Cultural and Liturgical Significance

Throughout Jewish and Christian heritage, “hallelujah” has remained a central expression of worship. From the public reading of Psalms in synagogues to Christian hymns and modern worship gatherings, the term still invites believers worldwide to exalt God’s name. Archaeological findings of ancient synagogue remains in regions like Galilee and Judea indicate the widespread use of Psalms as communal praise texts, reinforcing hallelujah’s heritage as an intergenerational invitation to praise.

Christian gatherings continue this tradition, often employing “hallelujah” in songs, prayers, and liturgies that celebrate God’s redemptive acts-above all, the resurrection of Christ. These shared worship practices exemplify the Scriptural call to glorify God for His creation, His sustaining power, and His saving grace.

Theological Meaning and Purpose

“Hallelujah” speaks to the heart of biblical theology: God is both transcendent and personal. Calling upon the name of Yahweh reflects a unique relationship, revealing a God who is near, faithfully attentive to human needs, and worthy of continuous praise. It also highlights the cosmic scope of worship-pointing to creation’s praise of the eternal Creator, from the heights of heaven to the depths of the earth.

This term also aligns with the overarching narrative of Scripture, wherein the ultimate redemption through Christ elicits eternal praise. A key philosophical point is that humanity’s chief purpose is to know and worship God. “Hallelujah” captures that purpose perfectly, summarizing both a personal response of gratitude and a universal acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.

Textual Reliability and Manuscript Evidence

Biblical manuscript sources-from the Dead Sea Scrolls to early Septuagint fragments-offer consistent testimony regarding the use of “hallelujah.” Scholars, through textual criticism, have found no significant divergence regarding this term in ancient copies of Psalms and the pertinent New Testament passages. Such uniformity in various manuscripts across different locales and centuries upholds confidence in Scripture’s preservation.

Furthermore, the presence of “hallelujah” in both Jewish and Christian traditions, as noted by historians and archaeologists, adds a layer of corroboration to the authenticity of biblical claims. Detailed analyses of these manuscripts by leading textual critics reveal that scribes preserved worship vocabulary (including “hallelujah”) with precision, underscoring the care given to transmitting God’s Word faithfully.

Practical Implications for Believers and Seekers

“Hallelujah” stands as a straightforward yet profound expression of praise. For those exploring faith, the word signifies the invitation to marvel at a God who, according to Scripture, loves and redeems His creation. It also underscores a vital aspect of human purpose-offering worship to the Maker of the universe.

Beyond its historical and linguistic context, “hallelujah” remains an open door to experience the joy and reverence found in acknowledging the one true God. As believers gather in churches or read Scripture in personal devotion, saying or singing “hallelujah” directs hearts to the majesty of the Lord, grounding worship in the unchanging truth of His name and character.

Conclusion

“Hallelujah” embodies the essence of biblical praise: recognizing and exalting the holiness and goodness of the eternal God. Rooted in Hebrew Scripture, carried forward by New Testament worship, preserved in reliable manuscripts, and echoed in modern faith communities, this term resonates across centuries and cultures. Each use of “hallelujah” unites believers in a timeless chorus, declaring that all glory and honor belong to the One who reigns eternally.

Give your life to Jesus Christ now!

Salvation Prayer

Jesus loves you.

He died for you on the cross, and then He rose again, defeating death forever. The pain in this world is not the final word. The empty tomb on Easter morning is!

If a relationship with God is something you crave, it can start here and now.  God cares far less about your words than the attitude of your heart.  So tell Him what you’re thinking.  Here is suggestion:

God, I believe that you created me to know you.  Thank you for sending your son Jesus, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty that I deserve.  I believe that his death and resurrection has restored me to you.  Please forgive me for everything that has offended you.  Take first place in my life and help me become the person that you created me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.

Be the clay in God´s hands.

Published on July 31, 2025

Anne was a special person in my life. I first met her when I asked her to teach clay modeling to our group of campers at a summer Bible camp.  She told me about how she loved her work with clay and how she had just recently purchased a kiln to bake her clay creations.  When I asked her how she got started in her work of clay modeling she told me her story.

Her son, who was born mentally challenged due to brain damage at birth, had passed away at the age of 15, several months before I met her.  She told me how working with the clay had helped her to get through those difficult days of caring for him during those years.  Her life had been broken through this difficulty but God had made something beautiful out of her brokenness.  While working with the clay God had been at work molding her life and now I was seeing the beauty created by God the master potter.

I was delighted when Anne consented to come several times during the camp session to teach the campers the art of clay modeling.  On her first day she gave each camper a lump of soft gray colored clay and after a few instructions let them mold their little clay vessels.  At the end of the craft session we had an assortment of vases, pots and dishes of various shapes and sizes.  Anne instructed me to put them in a warm, dry place until she would return for the next lesson.  I chose what I thought would be a good place and then in the busyness of my daily schedule forgot about them until the day of her return.

A few hours before the time of her next craft session I checked my collection of clay pots.  To my dismay they were anything but beautiful – almost without exception each one had a crack.   I quickly concluded I had chosen the wrong place to store them, so when she returned I apologized for what, to me, seemed like a disaster zone.  To my surprise, Anne quietly said, “Oh, that’s okay we can easily repair them” Then mixing up her clay she began to repair each one.  As she worked she said, “You know, this is just the way God works with each one of us.  We too, often find ourselves cracked and broken and God, the master potter, fills the cracks and makes us beautiful.  We are never too broken that he cannot repair and fill the broken areas in our life.

In the Bible we read about God sending Jeremiah to visit the potter’s house (Jeremiah 18:1-6).  Jeremiah watches the potter mold a vessel from the soft clay.  As he works the vessel is marred or spoiled so he reworks it and makes something beautiful out of it.  As Jeremiah watches the potter God says that the people of Israel are like clay in his hands that he wants to shape them as he sees best.  In 2 Corinthians 4:7 people are also referred to as jars of clay in which God’s glory dwells.

It would seem to me that we are all in the potter’s house being shaped and molded.  God holds us in his hand and molds us through the different experiences in life.  Sometime he makes little changes and other times he fills the cracks and closes them up. Or maybe sometimes the cracks remain so that the glory of his presence within us can shine out through those very cracks for others to see.  The difficulties of life which to us may seem to be unfair and meaningless may well be opportunities for God, the master potter to make us into a vessel of honor and blessing.

Thinking about how God mends our brokenness, I had to think of Peter in the Bible when he denied Jesus before his crucifixion and said he didn’t even know him.  It says he wept bitterly, when he realized how he had failed the Lord.  He must have felt that his relationship with the Lord was over.  Peter experienced total brokenness.  But then Jesus meets him again at the breakfast on the seashore after his resurrection (John 21).  In his gentle and loving way he calls Peter back and touches his brokenness, giving him a new assignment to feed his sheep.  We know that Peter then became a person of influence and blessing to the early church as well as to Christians throughout the ages.  God had repaired his brokenness and made him a clay vessel that brought glory to God.

As we travel the journey of life God gives us the choice to become clay in his hands.  As we invite him into our life he lovingly begins his work of molding us and making us into a vessel of honor and blessing.  We can come with our cracks and brokenness and he will make something beautiful out of our life.  Even when we have made a mess of things, maybe by making wrong choices, God can repair and bring healing so we will display his glory.  How encouraging to think that with God we are never too spoiled, too cracked, too broken.  With him there is always hope.  With him there is always another chance.  Will you meet me at the Potter’s House?

You can meet God right now by faith through prayer. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Mold me into the kind of person you want me to be.

He promised to begin His work of molding and making you into a vessel of honor and blessing.

by Elfrieda Nikkel
Used by Permission