In our busy lives, we rush from one commitment to another, barely stopping to catch our breath. And sometimes it is our relationships that suffer—our relationships with our spouses, our children, our friends, and even our God.

When you face a hectic day, in the morning do you take time to prepare by spending time with God or by dropping by the coffee shop? When you face crises during the day, do you pause to ask God for help and strength, or do you just vent to the people around you? And when you arrive home, exhausted and frustrated, do you seek the presence of God, or do you find solace in front of the television?

Sometimes it seems that we just forget God is here. We take Him for granted. We may love Him, and we may want to spend more time with Him, but He is not always our top priority.

Think of your human relationships. For them to be healthy, strong, and personal, you need to work at them. Our relationship with God is no different—we must communicate with Him and express our love if we want a thriving relationship. Even Jesus Christ, who is God Himself, routinely fellowshipped with His Father through prayer (see Luke 6:12).

We cannot expect a close walk with God if we never talk to Him. God desires our fellowship. He wants to be the one we share our struggles and heartaches with. He wants to be the one we share our joys and successes with. And God wants to share Himself as well.

As we study the self-given names of God, we learn that God pursues us by revealing His nature and character to us. He shares the core of His being as the most powerful, high, holy, and righteous God through His names El-Shaddai, Elohim, Jehovah-Mekaddish, and Jehovah-Tsidkenu. He says, “I love you, child,” by healing us as Jehovah-Rapha and providing for us as Jehovah-Jireh. When we face dark times and battles, He is our Banner, Jehovah-Nissi; our Shepherd, Jehovah-Rohi; our overwhelming peace, Jehovah-Shalom; and is always present as Jehovah-Shammah. And through His name Adonai, He tells us that we belong to Him.

Do not stop learning about the nature of God. Continue praying and praising God daily, using the names and descriptions of God. As you spend time with God in His Word, your relationship with Him will thrive.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the ways I have neglected my relationship with You. Empower me, by Your Spirit, to make time with You my priority. I love you. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!