

“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.” Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
Happiness is found in getting to know God more every day.
Paul said in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death” (NLT).
Another translation says that Paul became “thoroughly acquainted” (AMP) with God because he had a relationship with him and took the time to get to know him. He understood the difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing someone—and Paul wanted to really know Christ.
You don’t become thoroughly acquainted with God by accident. You don’t just wake up and accidentally fall into a relationship with Jesus. Paul says it’s a determined purpose. It’s something you have to do something about. You have to invest your time in it. You have to invest your heart in it. You have to invest your resources and your energy. Getting to know God requires the best of everything you have!
One trap that can keep you from getting to know God better is busyness. Just like busyness can destroy your relationships, it can also destroy your relationship with God.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NIV).
To grow in your relationship with God, you need to make time for him and be still. Just a few minutes of focused time every day can make all the difference in the world. I’m not saying you have to spend an hour in prayer every day. You can start with 10 or 15 minutes each morning, reading the Bible and talking with God.
The most important thing is to make it a habit and commit to getting to know God. Only then will you, like Paul, begin understanding the wonders of God with greater clarity.
Make this your daily prayer: “Lord, if I don’t do anything else today, I want to get to know you a little bit better and I want to love you a little bit more.” As you pray and live this out, you’ll begin to experience greater happiness in your life.
What are some things you do every day for at least 15 minutes? Do you do them because they’re essential or just because they’ve become habitual?
What distractions can keep you too busy to spend time with God?
How will you adjust your schedule so that you can spend more time with God?
