Hobbies That Can Draw You Closer to God

🩵 Hello there!! 🩵

I started this blog with a simple idea: in our hectic lives, how can we cultivate a deeper connection with God??

For me, it's always been about chasing dreams, whether big or small. I once dreamed of becoming the next Taylor Swift, so I learned to play the guitar. I envisioned riding through fields on a horse (yeah I know, kinda corny), so I took riding lessons. In each of these pursuits, I was seeking a closer relationship with the Creator who placed those dreams in my heart.

Maybe you're on the verge of your own dreams, unsure of how to begin or how to progress when the world feels overwhelming. It's easy to feel like we're falling behind, like we don't measure up when we compare ourselves to others. 

But here's the truth: God's story for you is uniquely yours, and it's unfolding exactly as He intends!

So, what if the key to getting closer to God isn't found in extraordinary things, but in the simple, everyday moments we dedicate to Him? What if the path forward is through quiet hobbies that bring us nearer to His heart? Let's explore together the small things that, when done with intention, can deepen our walk with God. 

1. Walking With Jesus 👟

There is something sacred about walking alone, free from distractions and noise, just you and the rhythm of your footsteps. I recall during my college years, I would step out after class for a walk to breathe and let my thoughts turn towards God. It wasn't a grand gesture, nor did it need to be. In those moments, I would whisper my prayers and feel the burdens of the world lighten with each step.

After a 30-minute walk in the sunshine, I often found myself smiling.

I encourage you to take your own walk ... whether through your neighborhood or along a peaceful trail. Keep your phone on silent. Let the rustling leaves or the song of a bird remind you of His presence. Make it a habit daily, every other day, or twice a week to walk outside and thank the Lord for His beautiful creation. Speak to Him as if He walks right beside you, for He is near. 🙏

Bible verse to reflect on:"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

2. The Art of Reading 📚

Reading is more than just a hobby; it is a gateway to understanding and a journey towards wisdom. I've discovered that immersing myself in a book, one that challenges, inspires, and uplifts my spirit, it often brings me closer to God. It's not merely about the words on the page; it's about the quiet within my soul that's ready to be filled with truth. 📖

The pages of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity have significantly helped me grasp the depth of our faith, while the prayers in Timothy Keller’s Prayer book have enriched my dialogues with God. 

Yet, sometimes I also delve into fiction like the enchanting worlds of The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. 🌟 Within their pages, I witness the timeless battle between light and dark and am reminded of the ultimate triumph of Good.

When selecting a book, let it be one that invites you to a deeper comprehension of the world and your role within it. Is your current romance novel truly going to bring you closer to God? Only you and the Lord can decide that. So, I urge you to ask God to guide your choices and fill your heart with wisdom.

Bible verse to reflect on:"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

3. Creating to Connect 🎨

In the quiet moments of creation, whether through painting, journaling, or simple DIY projects, there is a whisper of the Divine. God is the ultimate Creator, and when we create, we mirror His image!

I’ve recently rediscovered the beauty of crafting as a means to connect with Him, especially through making a Prayer Board.

A Prayer Board is a tangible way to manifest your prayers in the physical realm. It’s a simple, beautiful practice of writing your requests, hopes, and dreams on index cards and placing them in envelopes labeled with categories like "spiritual," "relationships," and "health." Each prayer becomes a small offering, a thread woven into the fabric of your faith. 💌

In creating, you also invite God into your process. It’s not just about the finished product, but the act of offering your heart and hands to Him.

What you’ll need:

• Corkboard

• Envelopes

• Pens, markers, and any other supplies you like

• Index cards

• Push pins

Bible verse to reflect on:"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

4. Surrendering the Ordinary 💫

There’s beauty in the ordinary, in the stillness of quiet moments where God whispers. But in our modern world, it’s easy to overlook the sacredness of the everyday. We’re pulled in many directions: our phones, our work, our social lives. But what if the secret to knowing God more intimately lies in surrendering those ordinary moments to Him? 

It might mean putting your phone down for an hour. It might mean saying no to plans so you can say yes to sitting at God’s feet, just being still in His presence. God doesn’t need us to have it all together; He simply wants us to make room for Him. And when we choose to make space, to surrender our time and attention, we find that He’s always been there, waiting for us to show up.

Try to get into the habit of reaching out to others, inviting friends over for dessert, or simply having a friend over for a Bible Study. For me, I like to write friendship cards for those close to me who may need a few words of encouragement.

Bible verse to reflect on:"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8 (ESV)

A New Beginning 🌿

Are you eager to deepen your relationship with God this year? It’s not about striving harder or achieving perfection. It’s about being present, in quiet moments and small instances, and allowing Him to meet you there.

This year, let’s create room for what brings us closer to His heart. Let’s prioritize intention over distraction, and stillness over noise. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just genuine, just with Him!

God has a story for you, one that’s unfolding right now. Don’t wait for the "perfect moment" to start living it. Don’t aim to become “that girl” you admire. Your journey toward Him can begin with something as simple as a walk, a book, a prayer, or quietly surrendering your time. 

Bible verse to reflect on:"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13 (ESV)

Let’s walk this path together, intentionally, faithfully, and with hearts open to all that God has for us.

Blessings,

Noelle🌻