If there is one primary lesson we are to take from the Purim story it’s that even in times of darkness, when God’s face is hidden, He is still here, orchestrating events behind the scenes, moving the pieces towards His ends. Man plans, God laughs. The very thing you thought was going to wipe out the Jews is turned upside down and becomes the vehicle of their salvation.
Purim is the opportune time to work on piercing through the haze and strengthen your connection to God. Here are seven ways you can connect to God, no matter who you are. Atheists are also welcome to give them a shot.
1. See God’s guiding Hand in your life
We’ve all experienced moments of serendipity – how that missed plane led you to meet your spouse. They don’t have to be so dramatic – finding a parking spot in New York City (or anywhere for that matter) can be a moment to feel God’s presence. Since God is One, nothing happens by accident; peel back the veil of nature that masks His presence and you’ll find God behind the curtain. Keep your eye open, and ask your family and friends to share their best stories of Divine providence the next you’re all together.
2. Have a heart to heart with God
Imagine a married couple living under the same roof but never really talking to each other. Unfortunately it happens. And unfortunately that cold detachment can describe many people’s relationship with God. When was the last time you had a real heart to heart with God? Not just recite the words in the prayer book, but tap into your inner core and share your deepest concerns, fears and thanks. Try it (not in public please) and see if you feel more connected to God afterwards.
3. Find beauty
Put down the iPad, the iPhone, the i-whatever and look at gorgeous world around you. When was the last time you took in a breathtaking sunrise or sunset? Cry listening to a piece of music? Be awestruck and the sheer brilliance and wonder of one of your amazing children? Did you see the incredible photos of the Niagara Falls frozen solid? The world is a reflection of God’s Infinite perfection and His fingerprints pervade the universe.
4. Learn Torah wisdom
Imagine getting hold of Einstein’s personal diaries where he lays out all the wisdom he attained in life. We would devour it, getting a glimpse of his great knowledge and feeling a far deeper connection to the man. Imagine getting a hold of God’s personal diaries. The Torah is the blueprint of creation. It’s God’s instruction manual that contains all the secrets of the universe, including life-changing wisdom about marriage, parenting, how to be good and attain meaning. When we learn Torah, we are directly connecting to God, seeing the depth of His wisdom and learning to think how He thinks. It is a series of ongoing eureka moments.
5. Appreciate His gifts to you
Who is more likely to express their genuine appreciation for dinner that your wife (or mother) makes: you or a guest? How many meals has the guest received? How many meals have you received? When we are the recipient of so much ongoing blessings in our life the terrible irony is that we start taking them for granted. Don’t. Appreciation is the bedrock for a loving relationship – with your parents, your spouse, and with God. Don’t be an ingrate. Who gave you your eyes? Your hearing? Your hot coffee this morning? Reconnect all the wondrous gifts you’ve received in your life back to their ultimate Giver, and feel the love that generates.
6. Trust Him
The people you most love are the people you most trust. And vice versa. Think about something that concerns you, that is creating some fear and angst – financial pressures, results from a medical test, the boy your daughter is dating – and let go of the fear and trust God. “Cast your burden on God and he will sustain you” (Psalms, 55:22). Try to feel that God has your back. He’s aware of your difficulty. He has the power to help and He wants to help. Nothing is too big or too small for Him. So drop the worry; it’s all good. God didn’t abandon you; He’s right here holding your hand.
7. Do a Mitzvah
Perhaps the most direct way to connect to God is to perform a mitzvah – give tzedakah, visit someone who is sick, say Shema, mark the Sabbath. The word “mitzvah” comes from the word “tzavta” which means attachment. When we do a mitzvah, a commandment, we are performing with mind, body and soul ratzon Hashem, God’s will, thereby becoming like God and growing closer to Him. Since God is not physical, closeness is measured spiritually. The more we resemble Him by aligning our will to His will, the closer we become to Him.
(23) Azubuike Emmanuel, September 15, 2019 9:40 PM
Becoming like God and growing closer to Him
I will like to get more of this please, I'm seeking to know the Almighty Yahweh
(22) Bishnupriya, August 17, 2019 4:27 AM
I want connect with god and thus article has articulate the ways to do so in a very practical manner.
Perfect
(21) Bimal rajen kerketta, February 18, 2019 11:49 PM
It was very helpful.
(20) Anonymous, January 27, 2019 11:35 PM
God is everything.
I've been feeling as if my relationship with God has been failing the more I grow up... But now I feel really encouraged.. Thankyou for sharing this.
(19) Yosef Yitzchak, June 14, 2018 10:48 AM
Summary of Tanya
It's nice to see that Chassidus has been spread so far, its influence reaching even non-Chassidic sites. This article is practically a very succinct, brief summary of some of the main points of Tanya! (The latter being a guide to connection to G-d on some level).
(18) Sampson, December 18, 2017 6:49 AM
I'm rejuvenating by those words
(17) nancy, November 30, 2017 6:29 AM
Very powerful, thank you for sharing this with me.
Am looking forward to share with my family.
(16) Piyush singh, June 25, 2016 4:43 PM
GREAT
Nice
(15) Anonymous, September 22, 2015 12:12 AM
Gentle wisdom, insight on vulnerability, trust, appreciation and gratitude...
Insight and wisdom on vulnerability, trust, appreciation and gratitude for tenderness of one's heart in a sacred, loving home...
(14) Tarek, June 25, 2015 11:05 PM
All are the same
Dear,
I'm Muslim and I really have full respect for all religions. I believe that it's a personal between any one and God. I'm practicing almost the same ways that you do. I really feel the God. God's wants to be many religins on earth. But honestly I feel that we all pray and connect to one God.
Thanks for the article.
God bless you all
(13) Anonymous, April 26, 2015 11:21 AM
& THEN What?
I've been religious for a long time now. These sorts of things, and the connection to God I felt, are a big part of WHY I became religious.
But, it's been a long time since I felt that way
What can I do to get the connection BACK?.
(12) memei, February 25, 2015 7:43 AM
thanks!
I sincerely appreciate this. the meanings are beautiful and i am uplifted. i was feeling very low, crying near each night. i pray this enlightens me.
(11) pranay, December 25, 2014 5:57 PM
thank you
Thank you very much
(10) Anonymous, December 12, 2014 12:52 AM
I love god with all my heart and I appreciate this article on how to get closer to him :)
(9) Michael, September 26, 2014 9:26 PM
profound
whant to thank you very much for this message. It picked me up when i was at my lowest point ready to hit rock bottom. But when i stumbled upon this article everything change, just whant to thank you for sharing this message may god bless you, and keep up the god work.
(8) Jacque, March 15, 2014 1:36 AM
This article was what I needed this weekend. I am currently attending a Lutheran University for one year. This article really
is what I started doing in small steps. I am Jewish but never felt connected. As I attend the Bible class required here I started feeling alone. I eventually let the instructor know that I was Jewish and he is now more sensitive to the class material. We have to learn the old and new testament. As I continue on my journey to become closer to God I have this article as a guideline and inspiration to learn more. Thank-you!
(7) brad, March 10, 2014 9:47 PM
I really enjoyed your article. It was spiritually uplifting & motivating! Thank you.
(6) Anonymous, March 10, 2014 6:56 PM
Really amazing!
This is a really amazing article. Thank you so much for posting it!
(5) ruth housman, March 10, 2014 12:24 PM
beauty in contrasts, the many hues of life
This many YOUd Creation. It's about for sure, what we'd do, being tikkun olam, as that eternal choice, to choose right, from wrong, and, when we are not sure, we need to wrestle with our conscience, and do what seems right, given the many gray areas, using our gray matter.
This material world, as you so beautifully describe. is filled with a transcendental world, a world in which God is very much behind the seens, behind the scenes.
There is a vast paradox here, isn't there? Let's speak to that paradox. We are thrown curves, we choose to pitch and be pitchers, but all in awe, the underlying story, that does not lie, is, it's ALL GOD. and That perception will fill the world. We're moving fast into a new wave of seeing. Some are behind, some are in advance, these the rungs on the ladder of choice, leading to, what is all Divine. To divine this, is to realize, we stop at The Wailing Wall, because we cannot penetrate the paradox.
(4) asokgeorge, March 10, 2014 4:50 AM
real truth
something marvellous
(3) Esther d, March 10, 2014 4:44 AM
Beautiful
Wow! That was so beautiful! Simple yet profound. Practical and true. Just what I needed to hear. Aish rocks!! Thank you for sharing your timeless wisdom and inspiring me to keep climbing higher!!
(2) Judith Hope, March 9, 2014 9:08 PM
Thank you
Thank you for reminding me in simple terms of the purpose and meaning and splendour of my life.
(1) Bruce Kern, March 9, 2014 8:52 PM
Thanks
Thank you for the excellent "life's helps". I'm not Jewish but I'm working on it through the help of a close Jewish friend.
Shalom