Overcoming Obstacles: Confidence and Distractions in Developing a Relationship with God

Two Obstacles to a Relationship with God

In our journey to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with God, we often encounter obstacles that hinder our progress. These obstacles can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of what God has to offer and can hinder our growth in faith. In this article, we will explore two common obstacles that many believers face and how we can overcome them to develop a rich and fulfilling relationship with God.

Obstacle 1: Lack of Confidence

One major obstacle that hinders our relationship with God is a lack of confidence. We may doubt our worthiness to approach God or feel inadequate in our ability to draw near to Him. This lack of confidence can stem from a variety of reasons, such as past failures, feelings of guilt or shame, or a distorted view of God's character.

However, the Bible assures us that we can approach God with confidence through the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages us, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

This passage reminds us that our confidence to approach God does not come from our own merits or abilities, but from the redemptive work of Jesus. Through His sacrifice, we have been made worthy to enter into His presence. We can confidently draw near to God, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms.

It is essential to cultivate a proper understanding of God's character and His unconditional love for us. When we grasp the depth of His grace and forgiveness, we can overcome the obstacle of lack of confidence. We must remind ourselves that God desires a relationship with us and has provided a way for us to draw near to Him.

Furthermore, we can find encouragement in the example of biblical figures who approached God with confidence. Abraham, for instance, boldly approached God to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33). Moses approached God with confidence to ask for the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:11-14). These examples remind us that we too can approach God boldly and confidently in prayer and worship.

Obstacle 2: Distractions and Busyness

Another significant obstacle to developing a deep relationship with God is the constant distractions and busyness of our daily lives. We live in a fast-paced world filled with numerous responsibilities, commitments, and technological distractions that can consume our time and attention.

Jesus, in Mark 4:18-19, warns us about the dangers of allowing the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches to choke out the word of God in our lives. He says, "And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."

We must be intentional in creating time and space for God in our lives. This may involve setting aside specific moments for prayer, Bible study, and reflection. It may also require a deliberate prioritization of our time and resources to ensure that we are putting God first in our lives.

Just as we make time for the people and activities that are important to us, we must prioritize our relationship with God. We can view it as a precious treasure that requires our attention and care. By intentionally carving out moments of stillness and solitude, we create an environment where we can hear God's voice and engage in meaningful communion with Him.

Moreover, we can draw inspiration from the example of Jesus Himself. Despite His demanding ministry, Jesus regularly withdrew to solitary places to pray and seek the Father's presence (Luke 5:16). If Jesus, who had countless demands on His time, prioritized time alone with God, how much more should we make it a priority in our own lives?

Conclusion

Overcoming the obstacles of lack of confidence and distractions requires intentional effort and a deep desire to develop a rich relationship with God. We must remind ourselves of the truth of Scripture, which assures us of our worthiness to approach God through the work of Jesus.

Additionally, we must be intentional in creating space for God in our lives, prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. By doing so, we open the door to experiencing the fullness of what God has to offer and cultivating a deep, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship with Him.

As we embark on this journey to draw near to God, let us remember the words of James 4:8, which says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." May we approach God with confidence and intentionality, knowing that as we draw near to Him, He will meet us with open arms and guide us into a deeper relationship with Himself.