“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

The start of summer can symbolize the transition into a new season. As school is out of session and you may be relocating or returning home, you adapt to your new surroundings.

While things around us may change, such as our living conditions, schedules and the people who surround us, one thing remains the same. It is important to remember that our relationship with Christ can stand no matter what changes we may face in life.

During the process of changing seasons, it can be easy to put our relationship with Christ on the backburner. However, there are ways we can overcome this and further grow in our relationship with Him during these times.

In order to grow closer to God, it is important to spend time with His Word. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Starting a Bible reading plan can help you to develop a good habit of spending time in God’s word each day. This will allow you to gain a greater understanding of who God is and the love He has for His people.

In addition, it is important to live in community. A great way to do this is by joining a Bible study or small group. As we build one another up and hold each other accountable, we can grow in our personal relationship with Christ. The Bible speaks to the importance of living community in Hebrews 10:24-25, which says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Finally, another way to grow closer to God is to journal. You may decide to journal each day about whatever is on your mind, or you may journal with a specific purpose. For example, you can keep a prayer log dedicated to writing about prayers you have as well as prayers that have been answered. In addition, you can journal to reflect on the passages you read from your Bible reading plan in order to apply them to your life.

This summer, I encourage you to make it a priority to grow closer to God. While this looks different for everyone, these methods can help you to keep your focus on Him.

Grand Canyon University is passionate about helping all members of the GCU community grow in their personal relationship with God. To learn more, visit our website today.