What Does It Mean To Press Into God?
Connecting with God on a deeper level is the goal of every believer. But what exactly does it mean to ‘press in’ to a relationship with the Creator? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning, benefits, and practical tips for pressing into God.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Pressing into God means pursuing Him relentlessly, seeking Him wholeheartedly, and clinging to Him no matter what comes your way. It’s cultivating an intimate relationship with God through consistent spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, Bible study, and worship.
The Meaning of Pressing into God
Pursuing God Wholeheartedly
Pressing into God means pursuing Him with our whole hearts, not just giving Him the leftovers of our time and attention. It involves prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and seeking His presence daily through prayer, worship, and studying His Word (Psalm 63:1, Psalm 27:4).
As we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us (James 4:8). The more we seek Him, the more we discover His character and enjoy close fellowship with Him.
Going Deeper Spiritually
Pressing into God is not about staying in our comfort zones but going deeper in our spiritual walks. It requires inviting God to expose areas that need change and being willing to obey as He leads us into greater maturity.
It means allowing His Word to pierce our hearts, His Spirit to guide us, and His presence to sanctify us. As we yield each area of our lives to Him, He takes us to new depths in our relationships with Him (John 15:4-5).
Our hunger for God will continue to grow as we experience more of His love and power.
Drawing Closer in Relationship
Intimacy with God comes from persistently pursuing closeness with Him. Pressing into God is an intentional and continual process of drawing nearer to Him. As we carve out time to seek Him daily, our spiritual ears become attuned to His voice, and we learn to follow His lead more closely.
We begin to view life’s circumstances through the lens of His sovereignty, trust in His goodness, and rest in His peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). God delights in those who diligently draw close to Him in dependent relationship for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Why We Should Press into God
Pressing into God simply means pursuing an ever-deepening relationship with Him. This spiritual journey brings immense blessings, including strength, wisdom, purpose, and intimacy with our Creator. Let’s explore four key reasons we should continually press into knowing God more.
Deepen Our Relationship with God
Pursuing God enables us to connect with Him relationally, beyond just knowing facts about Him. As we carve out quiet time to pray, study Scripture, worship, and listen, we get to interact with God personally.
He ceaselessly woos us closer, wanting us to know His heart and see life from His perspective.
Receive God’s Strength in Hard Times
When trials strike, drawing near to God grants us His comfort, peace, power, and joy to withstand hardship. As James 4:8 (NIV) says, when we “come near to God, He will come near to you.” Being rooted in His presence equips us to handle difficulties and shine for Jesus amid pain.
Grow in Spiritual Maturity
Consistently meeting with God transforms our character to become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). We grow in spiritual fruits like love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Our motives, words, responses, and lifestyle increasingly reflect those of Christ.
Understand God’s Will More Clearly
Drawing close to God positions us to discern His personal guidance for our lives more clearly. As we soak in Scripture, the Spirit renews our minds to grasp God’s will and path for us better (Romans 12:2). Hearing from God then propels us to walk in our unique purpose and destiny in Christ.
How to Press into God
Commit to Consistent Bible Reading
One of the most fundamental ways to press into God is by reading His Word regularly. Set aside time each day, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to read the Bible. As you read the scriptures, ask God to speak to you and meditate on what you’re reading.
The goal is not to just check off reading your Bible from a to-do list, but to actually connect with God through His Word. As you commit to daily Bible reading, you’ll find yourself drawing nearer to God and understanding His heart more.
Some great tools that can help with consistent Bible reading are annual Bible reading plans, Bible apps, and accountability partners.
Spend Extended Time in Prayer
Prayer is vital to pressing in to God. Set aside extended, unrushed time to pray and communicate with God. Pour out your heart to Him, praise Him, listen for His voice. Early mornings can be a great time for in-depth prayer before the busyness of the day starts.
Taking prayer walks or finding a quiet spot without distractions can also help. Some find journaling prayers or praying through scripture meaningful ways to connect deeply with God. The goal is extended, intimate communication with your Father.
As you make time for fervent prayer, your relationship with Him will grow.
Practice Regular Fasting
Fasting is a powerful way to press into God. By setting aside food or other things for a period of time, you focus your heart and hunger more on God. Fasting humbles you, brings revelation of sin, releases God’s power, and aligns your heart with His.
Many devote certain days or weeks to regular fasting. Start small if new to fasting – perhaps skip a meal or two, or fast from social media, tv, etc. Ask God to speak to you during the fast. When fasting, it’s important to spend the time praying, reading God’s Word, and focusing your heart on Him.
As you practice regular fasting, you’ll find breakthrough in your walk with Christ.
Worship God Wholeheartedly
Pressing into God’s presence through wholehearted worship is so key. Singing deeply meaningful songs directly to God, with thanksgiving and praise, opens your heart to Him. Lifting your hands, kneeling, bowing down – outward expressions of reverence – can help draw you closer to Him.
Meditating on His majesty and character fuels worship. Playing worship music in your quiet times can usher you into God’s presence. Serving on worship teams allows you to lead others into worship. Set aside time to just be with the Lord, expressing your adoration for Him.
True worship requires an authentic heart – don’t just go through motions. As your worship life develops, you’ll know God more intimately.
Serve Others Sacrificially
Nothing will draw you closer to God’s heart than laying down your life to serve others as He calls you to. As you care for the poor, widow, orphan, hungry, and downtrodden in practical ways, you’ll be learning to love like Jesus. Look for needs within your circles of influence and beyond.
Perhaps God is calling you to volunteer more within your community, church, or nonprofit organizations. When serving others, don’t just do what’s easy or comfortable. Be willing to sacrifice time, energy, or resources to meet challenging needs.
You may be pushed out of your comfort zone as the Lord stretches and matures you through serving. But you’ll emerge closer to the heart of God who sacrificed everything for us.
Conclusion
Pressing into God requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards are exponential. By relentlessly pursuing deeper intimacy with Him through spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves up to His presence, power, and direction like never before.
As we seek God with all our heart, cleaving to Him no matter what trials may come, we’ll be transformed into His likeness and discover the abundant life He has for us.