2025 Has Ended -- A Whole Year Has Passed. Do You Feel "Closer To God" At The End of 2025 Than You Did In 2024?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

We've had threads about this before, but as I think about my goals for 2026, like any other Christian, one that always goes to the top is to "Get Closer to God."

But of course, I know I had that goal in 2025... and in 2024... and in all the previous years before that. And so, as I'm trying to make my list for 2026, I had to think about everything that's happened the past year, and wonder, "Am I really closer to God at the end of 2025 than I was in 2024?"

I mean, how would I know?

I ALWAYS hear Christians say they "want to get closer to God" -- it's one of our primary goals as believers. But the question no one can really seem to answer is, "HOW DO YOU KNOW that you've REALLY gotten closer to God?"

Whenever I try to answer this, I always think of a joke from an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (a show in which a guy and his wise-cracking robot pals make fun of old movies.)



In the episode I'm thinking of, the good guy is chasing down a bad guy dressed as a monk, while the host of MST3K quips, "It's the Franciscan 10K Race!" And one of the robots answers, "Yeah, the winner gets to give up EVEN MORE of his worldly possessions!!"

I'm often left wondering something similar when I try to determine whether or not I'm not "closer to God." Is it because I feel more peace, less bitter, more ready to serve "than before"? Is it because I'm more willing to yes, give up even more of my material goods? But how do I measure any of that? (How can I know that I'm more or less of any of those things than in the past?)

Is it something like the Karate Kid, where Mr. Miyagi had Daniel perform endless days of "worthless" chores, like painting and waxing...




And Daniel, like any of us would have done too, saw it all as a waste of time (not to mention free labor,) because he was there to LEARN KARATE -- not wax cars or paint fences.

But boy oh boy.

When Mr. Miyagi calmly said, "Show me" -- and the blows started coming -- Daniel quickly learned that all of those boring, repetitive moves were FOR A VERY GOOD REASON, as he started to reflexively block every blow coming at him.

Is that what it's like with our faith as well?

Do we TRULY know we're getting "closer to God" when the waves come crashing in -- and suddenly, we're quicker to pray, less prone to worry, and more at peace than we ever would have been, say, a year ago?

And so, lately I've been asking God to let me know in which ways I've grown (or not,) and in what ways He wants me to go in the coming year.

How about you?

* What things do you DO to get "closer to God?" (More prayer, more fasting, more service, more study?) But we all get to a point where there's so much "more" we can do... What then?

* How do you know it's even working?

* How do you "know" you're getting "closer to God" -- and what do you do if you don't think you are?

* Are there any "surefire" ways you know you're getting closer to God -- certain areas of your life or feelings you revisit and have a different reaction -- and what do you do if you "don't see any progress"?

This is just one of many areas in the Christian life that I always see talked about -- but never really explained with practical, everyday examples in real people's lives.

I would love to hear your own experiences of how you (and God) measure your progress.

 

[Lynx]

I'm reminded of a quote between Antony and Cleopatra.

"If it be love, then tell me how much."

"There's beggary in the love that can be reckoned."

But thinking back on all the people I know, and how much each of them seems to be close to God, one constant does shake out. I didn't even think of this when I read this thread title. The ones who were closest to God sure did seem to worry a lot less.

Whether that's cause or effect, I don't know. All I know is what I have observed.

 

[CarriePie]

Several years ago, I decided to start reading scriptures every morning. Everyone is different in their journey, but for me personally this has made such a difference in my life. After scriptures, I pray and after this I begin my day. Since I've read the Bible all the way through several times, I started reading chapters with commentary several months ago.
As 2025 was ending and now 2026 is moving along, my daily schedule is a bit different so I've taken to breaking up my morning reading. Now, I read in the morning and in the evening.

For a long time I've began and closed my prayer with being thankful to the Lord. I feel that being thankful to the Lord is incredibly important. I think it can be easy to fall into a pattern of neglecting to be thankful. I don't want to fall into that pattern. Always being appreciative of the Lord and all He does for us has makes a big difference in my life.

Back before I began starting my day with the Word, I would read sporadically and I would pray sporadically. A daily habit works much better for me and I feel it has helped me greatly over the years.
Fasting is something I've done for a very long time. I don't talk about it when I'm fasting, as I keep it between me and the Lord. But, it's definitely something has been very important in my journey.

As a creationist and a lover of wildlife, I read at least one creationist article a day. Being in the outdoors and observing wildlife, plant life, the nightsky, etc. and having a chat with the Lord while I do so is times that make my heart swell. When I've gone on hikes by myself and just observing my surroundings and being prayerful all the way brings me a wonderful kind of peace. Creation amazes me.

I always say that we should be growing from birth until death. As time goes by and the more I learn and grow, the more my mind is blown and the more I feel in awe of Him...and very thankful that He cares for and loves me and my loved ones. I long for the days when we won't be limited to seeing through a glass, darkly!

 

[Mem]

Hey Everyone,

We've had threads about this before, but as I think about my goals for 2026, like any other Christian, one that always goes to the top is to "Get Closer to God."

But of course, I know I had that goal in 2025... and in 2024... and in all the previous years before that. And so, as I'm trying to make my list for 2026, I had to think about everything that's happened the past year, and wonder, "Am I really closer to God at the end of 2025 than I was in 2024?"

I mean, how would I know?

I ALWAYS hear Christians say they "want to get closer to God" -- it's one of our primary goals as believers. But the question no one can really seem to answer is, "HOW DO YOU KNOW that you've REALLY gotten closer to God?"

Whenever I try to answer this, I always think of a joke from an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (a show in which a guy and his wise-cracking robot pals make fun of old movies.)

View attachment 284224

In the episode I'm thinking of, the good guy is chasing down a bad guy dressed as a monk, while the host of MST3K quips, "It's the Franciscan 10K Race!" And one of the robots answers, "Yeah, the winner gets to give up EVEN MORE of his worldly possessions!!"

I'm often left wondering something similar when I try to determine whether or not I'm not "closer to God." Is it because I feel more peace, less bitter, more ready to serve "than before"? Is it because I'm more willing to yes, give up even more of my material goods? But how do I measure any of that? (How can I know that I'm more or less of any of those things than in the past?)

Is it something like the Karate Kid, where Mr. Miyagi had Daniel perform endless days of "worthless" chores, like painting and waxing...

View attachment 284225


And Daniel, like any of us would have done too, saw it all as a waste of time (not to mention free labor,) because he was there to LEARN KARATE -- not wax cars or paint fences.

But boy oh boy.

When Mr. Miyagi calmly said, "Show me" -- and the blows started coming -- Daniel quickly learned that all of those boring, repetitive moves were FOR A VERY GOOD REASON, as he started to reflexively block every blow coming at him.

Is that what it's like with our faith as well?

Do we TRULY know we're getting "closer to God" when the waves come crashing in -- and suddenly, we're quicker to pray, less prone to worry, and more at peace than we ever would have been, say, a year ago?

And so, lately I've been asking God to let me know in which ways I've grown (or not,) and in what ways He wants me to go in the coming year.

How about you?

* What things do you DO to get "closer to God?" (More prayer, more fasting, more service, more study?) But we all get to a point where there's so much "more" we can do... What then?

* How do you know it's even working?

* How do you "know" you're getting "closer to God" -- and what do you do if you don't think you are?

* Are there any "surefire" ways you know you're getting closer to God -- certain areas of your life or feelings you revisit and have a different reaction -- and what do you do if you "don't see any progress"?

This is just one of many areas in the Christian life that I always see talked about -- but never really explained with practical, everyday examples in real people's lives.

I would love to hear your own experiences of how you (and God) measure your progress.

Recently, I had my son's family over for dinner and made a batch of Pho, but I only had the larger, more slippery noodles to work with. These do not 'hang well' on a fork and so, they had to learn to use chopsticks if they didn't want to starve and I was glad to instruct them in the proper handling of chopsticks. My son, being very competitive, struggled but refused to give up and use a spoon as support as, of course, I took advantage of the opportunity to brag of my by-the-wing fly catching chopsticks skills and, eventually, he triumphed in emptying the bowl of his pho (you see what I did there ). He defeated his pho... I don't know how I come up with this stuff

I think the OP keyed in on the indicator markings of drawing near to God when we see the holy in what we might've regarded otherwise as mundane. For instance, do you see dishpan hands when you do the dishes, or do you see your dinner guest enjoying dinner on a sparkling plate?

 

[Gideon300]

Hey Everyone,

We've had threads about this before, but as I think about my goals for 2026, like any other Christian, one that always goes to the top is to "Get Closer to God."

But of course, I know I had that goal in 2025... and in 2024... and in all the previous years before that. And so, as I'm trying to make my list for 2026, I had to think about everything that's happened the past year, and wonder, "Am I really closer to God at the end of 2025 than I was in 2024?"

I mean, how would I know?

I ALWAYS hear Christians say they "want to get closer to God" -- it's one of our primary goals as believers. But the question no one can really seem to answer is, "HOW DO YOU KNOW that you've REALLY gotten closer to God?"

Whenever I try to answer this, I always think of a joke from an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (a show in which a guy and his wise-cracking robot pals make fun of old movies.)

View attachment 284224

In the episode I'm thinking of, the good guy is chasing down a bad guy dressed as a monk, while the host of MST3K quips, "It's the Franciscan 10K Race!" And one of the robots answers, "Yeah, the winner gets to give up EVEN MORE of his worldly possessions!!"

I'm often left wondering something similar when I try to determine whether or not I'm not "closer to God." Is it because I feel more peace, less bitter, more ready to serve "than before"? Is it because I'm more willing to yes, give up even more of my material goods? But how do I measure any of that? (How can I know that I'm more or less of any of those things than in the past?)

Is it something like the Karate Kid, where Mr. Miyagi had Daniel perform endless days of "worthless" chores, like painting and waxing...

View attachment 284225


And Daniel, like any of us would have done too, saw it all as a waste of time (not to mention free labor,) because he was there to LEARN KARATE -- not wax cars or paint fences.

But boy oh boy.

When Mr. Miyagi calmly said, "Show me" -- and the blows started coming -- Daniel quickly learned that all of those boring, repetitive moves were FOR A VERY GOOD REASON, as he started to reflexively block every blow coming at him.

Is that what it's like with our faith as well?

Do we TRULY know we're getting "closer to God" when the waves come crashing in -- and suddenly, we're quicker to pray, less prone to worry, and more at peace than we ever would have been, say, a year ago?

And so, lately I've been asking God to let me know in which ways I've grown (or not,) and in what ways He wants me to go in the coming year.

How about you?

* What things do you DO to get "closer to God?" (More prayer, more fasting, more service, more study?) But we all get to a point where there's so much "more" we can do... What then?

* How do you know it's even working?

* How do you "know" you're getting "closer to God" -- and what do you do if you don't think you are?

* Are there any "surefire" ways you know you're getting closer to God -- certain areas of your life or feelings you revisit and have a different reaction -- and what do you do if you "don't see any progress"?

This is just one of many areas in the Christian life that I always see talked about -- but never really explained with practical, everyday examples in real people's lives.

I would love to hear your own experiences of how you (and God) measure your progress.

I know that one tremendous truth set me free from worrying about myself. Some days I "feel" close to God, other days it is a struggle. I no longer take a lot of notice of my feelings. Jesus lives in me in the Person of His Holy Spirit. How can I be any closer than that! So I look at God's word and not how I feel. What does God say? "I will never leave you or forsake you".

God wants us to be delivered from dependence on feelings. I used to pray and then see if I felt something to validate my prayer. That is an insult to God. If we pray in Jesus' name, God hears us. That's what the Word says. What do I believe, God's word or my feelings?

Other people are more objective about us. My wife and I are a team. We've had someone tell us that we are the loveliest couple they'd met. That opened the door to witness as I said that the young woman was seeing Jesus in us. Others have said similar things. I'm more inclined to see my limitations and what I see as a lack of fruit.

So I realise that I am not the best judge of where I am at. I start each day with Jesus and ask Him to live out His life in me and through me. Then I leave it in His hands. It sure beats the alternative.

One preacher explained this way. You plant a seed and wait for it to grow. You don't dig it up to see if it is growing. The seed has to germinate and send out roots. In due time, the green shoot will appear. You do not dig it up to see if the roots are OK. Introspection is like digging up the seed. It will only set the growth back. Let the Holy Spirit convict you. God will allow you to know where you are at in reality. And that is only so that He can set you free from whatever troubles you.

 

[Brasspen]

These are all good posts. The truth is about me, I have not been trying to get closer to God. Shame on me. But I remember the Pastor Holliday teaching me, that singing, music, praise worship to Jesus brings you closer to him. Honor God the father with praise and worship.

Worshipping and praising Jesus can be more than just singing, dancing and playing music. It can also include prayer. Giving thanks to Jesus Christ for anything and all times.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Mrs Holliday also gave teachings on being too busy for God. I think I have fallen into that trap. A distraction.

 

[seoulsearch]

I want to thank everyone for their very wonderfully written and beautifully descriptive posts.

I know the Bible passages about such topics -- but what I'm always striving for in addition is to try to learn HOW other Christians live out the actual principles within their daily lives. I need both the living Word and living people's experiences to fully absorb what God is trying to tell me.

Thank you all for the the very helpful information I am contemplating when asking God "where I am" and "where I need to be."

These are all good posts. The truth is about me, I have not been trying to get closer to God. Shame on me. But I remember the Pastor Holliday teaching me, that singing, music, praise worship to Jesus brings you closer to him. Honor God the father with praise and worship.

Worshipping and praising Jesus can be more than just singing, dancing and playing music. It can also include prayer. Giving thanks to Jesus Christ for anything and all times.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Mrs Holliday also gave teachings on being too busy for God. I think I have fallen into that trap. A distraction.

Hi @Brasspen,

I understand very well about becoming distracted.

I don't know if this will help, but I subscribe to the devotionals from Our Daily Bread -- they will send you a short devotional each morning via email or booklets by mail.

God has taught me to coordinate time with Him, even just a minute or two, with my regular tasks and it's really helped. I read my Daily Bread devotion everyday because I have to check my email anyway.

And God led me to coordinate prayer time with a regular everyday chore I have to do, like dishes, so I don't forget.

I know you've written about having a lot of challenges and I pray that God will bless you along your way.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

I know I'm closer today to being in heaven than I was at any time last year. As I get older I believe God is helping me more often, since I need the help more. I guess that makes me feel closer. I certainly love seeing His hand in my life. For years now I've read from the Bible at night. I pray then too when I don't fall asleep right away. I pray anytime I think about it, often when driving. Things I'm involved in throughout each day lend towards me thinking of God and keeping Him close.

 

[seeking_christ]

Hey Everyone,

We've had threads about this before, but as I think about my goals for 2026, like any other Christian, one that always goes to the top is to "Get Closer to God."

But of course, I know I had that goal in 2025... and in 2024... and in all the previous years before that. And so, as I'm trying to make my list for 2026, I had to think about everything that's happened the past year, and wonder, "Am I really closer to God at the end of 2025 than I was in 2024?"

I mean, how would I know?

I ALWAYS hear Christians say they "want to get closer to God" -- it's one of our primary goals as believers. But the question no one can really seem to answer is, "HOW DO YOU KNOW that you've REALLY gotten closer to God?"

Whenever I try to answer this, I always think of a joke from an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (a show in which a guy and his wise-cracking robot pals make fun of old movies.)

View attachment 284224

In the episode I'm thinking of, the good guy is chasing down a bad guy dressed as a monk, while the host of MST3K quips, "It's the Franciscan 10K Race!" And one of the robots answers, "Yeah, the winner gets to give up EVEN MORE of his worldly possessions!!"

I'm often left wondering something similar when I try to determine whether or not I'm not "closer to God." Is it because I feel more peace, less bitter, more ready to serve "than before"? Is it because I'm more willing to yes, give up even more of my material goods? But how do I measure any of that? (How can I know that I'm more or less of any of those things than in the past?)

Is it something like the Karate Kid, where Mr. Miyagi had Daniel perform endless days of "worthless" chores, like painting and waxing...

View attachment 284225


And Daniel, like any of us would have done too, saw it all as a waste of time (not to mention free labor,) because he was there to LEARN KARATE -- not wax cars or paint fences.

But boy oh boy.

When Mr. Miyagi calmly said, "Show me" -- and the blows started coming -- Daniel quickly learned that all of those boring, repetitive moves were FOR A VERY GOOD REASON, as he started to reflexively block every blow coming at him.

Is that what it's like with our faith as well?

Do we TRULY know we're getting "closer to God" when the waves come crashing in -- and suddenly, we're quicker to pray, less prone to worry, and more at peace than we ever would have been, say, a year ago?

And so, lately I've been asking God to let me know in which ways I've grown (or not,) and in what ways He wants me to go in the coming year.

How about you?

* What things do you DO to get "closer to God?" (More prayer, more fasting, more service, more study?) But we all get to a point where there's so much "more" we can do... What then?

* How do you know it's even working?

* How do you "know" you're getting "closer to God" -- and what do you do if you don't think you are?

* Are there any "surefire" ways you know you're getting closer to God -- certain areas of your life or feelings you revisit and have a different reaction -- and what do you do if you "don't see any progress"?

This is just one of many areas in the Christian life that I always see talked about -- but never really explained with practical, everyday examples in real people's lives.

I would love to hear your own experiences of how you (and God) measure your progress.

did you see the scene where he fell and broke his back?

 

[seoulsearch]

did you see the scene where he fell and broke his back?

Daniel or Mr. Miyagi?

 

[seeking_christ]

Daniel or Mr. Miyagi?

the kid

 

[seoulsearch]

the kid

I hate to admit it, but I might be too old to understand this reference!

In the original post, I was referring to the original Karate Kid movie from 1984. I don't recall anyone having their back broken, but I could be wrong (please correct me if I am.)

I've heard the recent Karate Kid show was awesome, but unfortunately, I don't have whatever service was streaming it (if that's what you're referring to.)

 

[seeking_christ]

I hate to admit it, but I might be too old to understand this reference!

In the original post, I was referring to the original Karate Kid movie from 1984. I don't recall anyone having their back broken, but I could be wrong (please correct me if I am.)

I've heard the recent Karate Kid show was awesome, but unfortunately, I don't have whatever service was streaming it (if that's what you're referring to.)

Oh lol

Then it's probably the new movie that streaming on Netflix I stopped watching it after that

 

[Spiritwalker]

These are the kinds of topics that feel timeless to me.These questions can be asked over and over agin to help keep us on the right track. The truth of suffering and the amount of frustration I personally have whilst i contend with reality sometimes make me loose hope. So it's good to know threads like this exist.

* How do you "know" you're getting "closer to God" -- and what do you do if you don't think you are?

For me it’s a process. Closing the gap is a process. When I struggle to accept something and find I can’t go any further with what I find unacceptable, I tend to use music, or read other peoples struggles and create. Sometimes I sleep...and journal. These things makes me feel less alone in my struggles. I also can watch comedy, laughter also helps to release the pain. And sometimes I use mindless distraction when I feel deaf dumb and blind. The Lord sometimes does that with me until He thinks I'm ready to confront some uncomfortable truths. So yeh, I try and put my focus elsewhere, on something I can control, like I will eventually create something from the pain or connect with others who have experienced the same struggles. I used to drink more when I lost hope and struggled more with reality, but these days I keep myself occupied with all of the above and with family chats/meetups and humour at work with friends. And when all else fails I sleep.

How do you know it's even working?

The amount of peace and emotional connection I feel in my bones is usually a sure fire way that works for me.Sometimes it may only be temporary peace, because as soon as I have grappled with one damn thing another damn thing pops up.... does it ever end??? apparently not, Jesus said we will always have trouble in this world.
I know we all have different areas in our lives that we struggle with and try to work on to improve, and I know life enough to know it will never be an easy ride in any area especially at my age. So I like to be prepared and lessen my expectations.

and what do you do if you "don't see any progress"?

As with all grief, CRY!!....and SLEEP and overwork!! and sometimes drink. I'm a sucker for keeping things bottled up because I have been let down so many times, I guess. Now I dont drink half as much as I used to, but it's still more than I ought to, and until I find a replacement then it wont change. I would ideally like to know more of which areas my talents would best be put to use too so I can help others too. I geess we would all like to grow into mighty oaks.

Great Lord pointing topic for sure

 

[Cameron143]

Whenever someone talks about desiring to be closer to God, I'm always reminded about that song in The Jungle Book...I Wanna Be Like You. The only way to be like someone is to spend time with them. And the only way to do that is to be in their presence.

The spiritual disciplines were not given to keep Christians busy. They are given so we will know where God hangs out so that we can enter His presence.
Some examples:
We pray because God is there...Matthew 6:6.
We fellowship because God is there...Matthew 18:20.
We seek for God because He promises to meet us...Jeremiah 29:13.
We fast because God meets us...Matthew 6:16-18.

If you find where God hangs out, you will find God. And in His presence you will find joy and reward...Psalm 16:11.