By Rick Warren
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (Psalm 59:16 NLT).
We all want our relationships to be characterized by persistence and self-sacrifice. But we can never do that on our own. The kind of love we long to show others is only found in a growing relationship with God. Without God's power in our lives, our love will run out.
You don’t build that kind of relationship with God—one that will help you love others when you want to give up—by accident. You do it through habits. Here are three habits that will help you grow in your relationship with God.
1. A daily quiet time. Let God talk to you through the Bible and through prayer. Nothing will help your life more. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “This is the reason we never lose heart. Our body does suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength” (PH). Outwardly our body suffers wear and tear, but spiritually we can be renewed every day by spending time alone with God. It’s not hard. Read through a chapter of the Bible, meditate on it, and talk with God about what’s going on in your life.
2. Small group. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (NIV). You need to spend time with other believers. I hope you have a church family. Be a part of whatever mechanism they have to connect you with a small group, whether that’s a Sunday School or off-campus small group. You need the prayer support and encouragement of other believers. A Christian without a small group is an orphan.
3. Worship through song. Psalm 59:16 says, “I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love” (CEV). Singing builds you up. The singing time at your church isn’t just the warm-up act; it’s just as important as the message. Don’t miss it this weekend. Also, put some worship music on your iPod or MP3 player this week and don’t be afraid to sing along. It will recharge your soul and give you the God-given strength to love others.
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (Psalm 59:16 NLT).
We all want our relationships to be characterized by persistence and self-sacrifice. But we can never do that on our own. The kind of love we long to show others is only found in a growing relationship with God. Without God's power in our lives, our love will run out.
You don’t build that kind of relationship with God—one that will help you love others when you want to give up—by accident. You do it through habits. Here are three habits that will help you grow in your relationship with God.
1. A daily quiet time. Let God talk to you through the Bible and through prayer. Nothing will help your life more. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “This is the reason we never lose heart. Our body does suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength” (PH). Outwardly our body suffers wear and tear, but spiritually we can be renewed every day by spending time alone with God. It’s not hard. Read through a chapter of the Bible, meditate on it, and talk with God about what’s going on in your life.
2. Small group. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (NIV). You need to spend time with other believers. I hope you have a church family. Be a part of whatever mechanism they have to connect you with a small group, whether that’s a Sunday School or off-campus small group. You need the prayer support and encouragement of other believers. A Christian without a small group is an orphan.
3. Worship through song. Psalm 59:16 says, “I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love” (CEV). Singing builds you up. The singing time at your church isn’t just the warm-up act; it’s just as important as the message. Don’t miss it this weekend. Also, put some worship music on your iPod or MP3 player this week and don’t be afraid to sing along. It will recharge your soul and give you the God-given strength to love others.
