Little Steps, Big Faith: Drawing Near to God Each Day

Sometimes we think growing closer to God requires big, dramatic changes in our lives. Long hours of study, hours of uninterrupted prayer, or radical acts of service. But the truth is, intimacy with God is often found in the small, consistent choices we make every day.

Just like a friendship deepens through regular conversations, time together, and shared experiences, our relationship with God grows when we invite Him into the ordinary moments of life.

Here are a few simple ways to draw nearer to Him:

• Start your day with Scripture, even if it’s just one verse:

  You don’t need to read entire chapters at once. Beginning your morning in God’s Word frames your entire day with His truth. When we hear from Him first, it centers our heart before the world’s noise tries to pull us in different directions. As Psalm 143:8 says: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” One verse meditated on deeply can nourish your heart more than rushing through many. And even if it’s just that one verse, reading Scripture in the morning fills your mind with His promises so that throughout the day, you’re not running on empty but rooted in His Word.

• Pray as you go:

  Prayer doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. Whisper short prayers while driving, walking, or even washing dishes: “Lord, help me see Your goodness today.” Scripture encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 6:7: “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” And Psalm 145:18 assures us: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

• Look for God in creation:

  A sunrise, a flower, the laughter of a child; all of these can remind us of the Creator’s beauty and presence. Scripture tells us this truth in Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” And as Romans 1:20 reminds us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

• Practice gratitude:

  At the end of the day, think about or maybe even write down three things you’re thankful for. Gratitude shifts our perspective and helps us notice God’s faithfulness. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” And Psalm 107:1 echoes this truth: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

• Choose encouragement:

  Send a text, speak a kind word, or pray for someone else. When we bless others, we experience God’s heart in action. Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” And Proverbs 16:24 adds: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Growing closer to God doesn’t always happen in grand moments, it also happens in the steady rhythm of seeking Him day by day.

And here’s the amazing thing: the more we know Him, the more we want to know Him. When we begin with small steps, they often grow into a rhythm of life that craves His presence and longs to be shaped by Him. What starts as a spark of seeking can grow into a roaring fire for God, one that fuels a life of passion, obedience, and joy.

As we continue to draw near, our hearts begin to desire not just moments with Him, but a life fully submitted to Him. A life that doesn’t simply fit God into the margins, but revolves around Him completely.

James 4:8 reminds us: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” And as we do, He transforms our ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities to walk with Him.

Even the smallest step toward Him is never wasted — because one step leads to another, and before long, you find yourself not just walking, but running after His heart.

What’s one step you can take today to draw closer to God? Share it here in the comments — not just for encouragement, but for accountability, as we grow together.