soul journey 
In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When we draw closer to God, His light transforms us, illuminating the best parts of who we are meant to be. Our love deepens, our patience expands, and our kindness becomes more abundant. By aligning ourselves with His will, we not only avoid the darkness of sin but also cultivate qualities that reflect His divine nature.
Growing in God’s presence strengthens our faith, enhances our wisdom, and fills our hearts with peace. But how do we stay aware of when we’ve strayed from His goodness? And how do we ensure we keep walking in His light? Let’s explore the steps to maintaining a close relationship with God and increasing our awareness of His presence in our lives.
Recognizing When You’ve Strayed from God’s Goodness
It’s easy to drift away from God’s light without even realizing it. The pressures of daily life, distractions, and temptations can slowly pull us away. Here are some ways to recognize when you may have strayed:
🔴Lack of Peace and Joy – When we walk closely with God, we experience His peace, even in difficult times (Philippians 4:7). If you find yourself constantly anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed, it may be a sign that you need to reconnect with Him.
🔴Diminished Prayer Life – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to “pray without ceasing.” If you notice that you’re praying less or only turning to God in emergencies, it may indicate a weakening spiritual connection.
🔴Avoiding Scripture and Worship – Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” If you find yourself neglecting the Bible or skipping church and worship, it’s a signal that you may be drifting.
🔴Falling into Sin More Easily – When you start justifying bad habits, making excuses for ungodly behavior, or ignoring your conscience, you may be stepping away from God’s will (Galatians 5:16-17).
🔴A Hardening Heart – If you find yourself less compassionate, quick to judge, or struggling to forgive, your heart may be growing distant from the love of Christ (Ephesians 4:32).
Steps to Grow Closer to God and Walk in His Light
1. Seek God Daily in Prayer
Make time for God every day, just as you would for an important relationship. Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of consistent communication with the Father.
2. Read and Meditate on Scripture
God’s Word transforms and renews us (Romans 12:2). Make Bible reading a daily habit, and let His truths guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
3. Surround Yourself with Godly Influence
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Spend time with fellow believers who encourage your faith and hold you accountable.
4. Repent and Turn Away from Sin
1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” A repentant heart keeps you aligned with God’s holiness.
5. Worship and Give Thanks
Praise God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Worship strengthens your faith and keeps your heart centered on His goodness.
6. Serve Others with Love
Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Acts of kindness and service reflect God’s light in the world.
Final Thought
Walking closely with God fills your life with His light, ensuring that you never walk in darkness. As you cultivate prayer, scripture, worship, and service, you will see His goodness reflected in your character. In doing so, you will embody the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
May you always walk in His light, growing in love, wisdom, and grace each day.
