Have you ever treated God like a cosmic vending machine, like someone you approach only when you’re in need or desire something beyond your reach? I know I have. There was a time when I thought prayer was simply my way of inserting "coins" of good deeds, hoping to receive the blessings or miracles I wanted. But the deeper I read Scripture, the more I understood how shortsighted that mentality can be.
God wants our attention and our heart.
God isn't a genie in a bottle, waiting to grant us three wishes or magically fix every situation the moment we snap our fingers. Instead, He longs for a deep, personal relationship with us that isn't reduced to transactions and quick fixes.
Think about a close friend in your life. You wouldn't limit your conversation with them to, "I need a ride" or "Can I have five dollars?" all the time, would you? A real friendship goes beyond requests. It thrives on shared experiences, honest conversations, and genuine love. The same is true in our relationship with Christ.
God doesn't desire an on-again, off-again connection. He wants to walk with us through every up and down, celebrating our joys and comforting our sorrows.
God, are You listening?
I used to wonder if God was even paying attention. When life felt overwhelming, I'd say a quick prayer: "God, please fix this situation" or "God, give me what I want right now."
I wanted results, and I wanted them fast.
When no immediate answer arrived, I'd question His goodness or whether He was really listening. But over time, I realized my focus was too narrow. My desire for immediate relief consumed me, so I rarely sought His heart.
We often hear people say, "God works in mysterious ways." Yet Scripture paints a clearer picture of His nature and intentions. In James 4:8, we read, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." The invitation here is unmistakable: approach God personally, seek Him sincerely, and you'll discover His presence in return.
God wants a personal relationship with us.
"Drawing near" implies intent and effort, not a casual wave from afar. It's not about checking a box on Sunday or quickly reading a Bible verse once a month. It's a daily pursuit of His presence and guidance, recognizing that our relationship with Christ flourishes when we invest in it, just like any relationship in life.
A consequential moment for me happened when I chose to spend the first minutes of each morning with God. It wasn't about presenting a list of demands or airing every grievance. Instead, I used that quiet space to read the Bible, journal my thoughts, and listen for God's gentle promptings in prayer.
In those moments of solitude, the Holy Spirit began unveiling areas in my life that needed growth, healing, and surrender. Such revelations rarely come in a flash. They require consistent interaction and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Are you in a 'casual relationship' with the Lord?
A casual relationship with Christ is often marked by sporadic engagement. We say, "Thank You, God" when things go well, but forget Him when life is busy and everything seems under control. Then, when tragedy or need arises, we're back at His doorstep, desperately knocking for help.
It's like showing up at someone's house after ignoring them for months and saying, "Hey, can you lend me a hand?" While God is compassionate and merciful (and indeed can respond in our times of distress), He doesn't desire to be put on the back burner until further notice.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," and all else will be added. Notice the key word: first. We're encouraged to prioritize our relationship with Him, not tack it onto life's to-do list when we have spare time.
How often do we rush through our prayers like placing an online order? Do we view Bible study as a chore or a chance to hear from the One who created the universe? Are we so reliant on that momentary "God, fix it now" approach that we fail to nurture the intimate friendship He offers?
If these questions make you uncomfortable, that's good. That discomfort may be the motivation you need to change course.
Develop a close relationship with Christ.
A personal relationship with Christ breathes life into your everyday existence. It provides perspective when the storms rage. It offers an anchor when uncertainty swirls around you.
Instead of looking for a genie to grant three wishes, we find a Savior who loves us infinitely more than we can imagine. He's not interested in being summoned only when we have a crisis. He wants a relationship that transforms our hearts, guides our steps, and realigns our priorities with His.
So here's my challenge for you and me: let's step away from casual faith. Let's seek Him in the mundane moments, not just the emergencies. Pray because you long for His companionship, not just answers.
Read Scripture because you crave His wisdom, not just guidance for a single issue. Worship because your heart overflows with gratitude for who He is, not just for what He does.
Will you take that step today? Will you carve out intentional space in your schedule to deepen your relationship with Christ?
Let's put aside the genie-in-a-bottle mentality and envelop the rich, daily communion He desires. After all, He's already drawn near to us. Now, let's draw near to Him—let's respond with wholehearted devotion.
Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's grace. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
Comments