Do you want to become closer friends with the Holy Spirit this year? It is easy to do by following these 7 tips from the Bible. Anyone believer needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesian 5:18) . When we use these tips, something amazing happens. We start to know the Holy Spirit more deeply. His friendship changes us. We understand God’s Word better. We see amazing things when we pray. We become more like our Lord Jesus.
So let’s get started opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit!
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
1. Read the Bible Every Day
The Bible is an prophetic book. The Holy Spirit guided the writers with exactly what to say. So the words of the Bible help us hear the Holy Spirit.
That is why we should read it daily. Start with a few minutes in one short book, like John or James. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read. The more time you spend in the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will explain it.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
It can be hard to focus on reading. Our minds wander or we get distracted. But keep trying! The Bible is sweeter than anything else you could read or watch. It is God speaking to you – so listen closely!
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
The Bible says – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word.” (Psalm 119:18)
2. Pray Every Day
Prayer is our way of communicating directly with God. Talking and listening to the Holy Spirit is also a form of prayer. Remember the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God living inside us, this means that when we hear or talk with the Holy Spirit, we are directly communicating with our Heavenly Father (God). In 1 Corinthians 2:11-13 Paul compared the Spirit’s understanding of God with a person’s understanding of himself or herself. Just as a person cannot penetrate another person’s thought processes, so no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. The only way to know God is to know his Holy Spirit, to have him in one’s life. The only way to obtain the Holy Spirit is to accept, by faith, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit is a distinct person, yet one in essence and function with God the Father. The mystery of the Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-begins to unfold in verses such as this. Jesus told his disciples, at the Last Supper: “But I will send you the Advocate-the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me…. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. . . . When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.” (John 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-15 NLT) Read more…
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Pick a regular time you can pray without distractions. Treat this special time like an important meeting or meal. Come hungry to receive from God. Tell Him everything on your heart. And be quiet to hear Him guide you too.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Making prayer part of your routine keeps your spirit strong and healthy. It helps you make wise choices. You will notice God working more in you when prayer becomes a lifestyle.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
The Bible says – “Pray all the time. Be thankful no matter what.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
3. Say No to Distraction
Our schedules quickly fill up. Days fly by busy with tasks, fun events, connections. But sometimes by doing too much, we miss out on the best part – God’s presence!
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
Try avoiding anything that keeps you from praying or reading the Bible. These are your top priorities, so never skip them. You might need to say no to some good things to say yes to what matters most.
Guarding your time and energy will give you peace and purpose. You will hear the Holy Spirit more clearly when life feels less cluttered.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
The Bible says – “Be careful how you live. Make the most of every chance to do good.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
4. Remember the Holy Spirit is With You
It is easy to forget that the Holy Spirit lives in us. But when we ask Him to guide us each day, everything changes. Our minds fill with good thoughts instead of worries. We make choices to please God. Fear loses its grip as we remember who is in charge.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
The Bible says the Holy Spirit gives us assurance that that we belong to God (Romans 8:14). We never need to feel alone or wonder if God has left us. He gives us peace and purpose. We just have to be still that why we can know Him. ( Psalm 46:10)
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16)
The Bible says – “Do everything as if you were doing it for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)
5. Listen and Obey
Desiring to hear the Holy Spirit without your willingness to obey will not yield any fruit. We can only bear good fruit when we actually listen and obey what He says. We need to practice responding quickly when He gives us instructions.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
Is He prompting you to pray for someone or help with a need? Do it right then. Does He warn you away from danger or temptation? Don’t hesitate – just obey. The more we practice hearing and following His voice quickly, the clearer He will speak.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
The Bible says – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not Ignore it.” (Hebrews 3:15)
6. Let the Holy Spirit Work Through You
The Holy Spirit doesn’t just want to change us personally. He wants to pour out blessings on people around us too!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Ask Him to show His love and power to others through you. You may pray for their needs or share a message of hope from the Bible. Start small by passing on what He gives you.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Don’t keep the wonderful things you learn from the Holy Spirit to yourself. Share His goodness everywhere you go! People’s lives will be changed when the Holy Spirit works through you.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
The Bible says – “You will do even greater things than I have done.” (John 14:12)
7. Trust the Holy Spirit is With You
Sometimes Christians struggle to really believe what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit living inside them. If God seems distant or they make mistakes, they worry He has left them.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
But God’s Word is clear – the Holy Spirit comes to live in us forever when we follow Jesus. He will never abandon us, no matter what! He actually helps change us to be more like Christ from the inside out.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)
On days you feel sad or lonely, just say, “Holy Spirit, I know you are with me.” Let Him fill you with confidence that you belong to God always.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
The Bible says – “You received the Spirit who makes you God’s child.” (Romans 8:15)
Conclusion
Living life full of the Holy Spirit brings new joy, power and purpose. All it takes is opening your heart to Him completely. Then let Him lead you deeper through prayer, Bible reading, applying it, listening, and sharing the word of God. He eagerly wants to reveal wonderful things to you this year!
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Just remember to make time for growing your friendship daily. Stay focused on Him, obey what you hear, and trust Him to work powerfully in and through you. You will be amazed at what happens next!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
The Bible says – “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing.” (John 14:12)
God bless you richly as you continue your journey with the Holy Spirit.
