What to do (and not do) to Draw Closer to God | Preparing for 2024 | Melody Alisa

[@MelodyAlisa]

hey, sis!! let's chat -- add the 6th thing to our list today! What is one more thing we should leave behind in 2023 (i'm sure there's lotssss to choose from!!) so we can draw closer to God?! Let us know in the comments!!

[@tiffanywilliams9283]

In all honesty social media as a whole. (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, KZbin, TikTok, Snapchat, all of it) It’s been getting in the way of my walk. And probably a majority of people. This world want to distract you away from god. So I would say if you want to get closer to him then you need to take long breaks in between social media consumption. 😅👍 Which I’m also saying this to myself too.

[@hallmark4]

6. Comparison.

[@sarai-wv1te]

My number 6 is hopelessness. Letting the devil steal our hope and joy is something that I am working on leaving behind in 2023. In life we will have moments in our waiting/wilderness season where we feel hopeless. We can feel it for a little while but anchor on to Jesus and tell him exactly how you feel He can handle it. Hold on tightly because it doesn’t last forever even though it may feel like it. Having a flourishing godly community around you will also do wonders.

[@TheLittlePrayerCafe]

Social media is definitely one and I have to not drink water. I have to eat more fruit since I have Lupus because the medication isn’t something I want to be dependent on. Pills make my stomach upset so I have to start drinking more water on my days off. I tend to not eat or drink water at work due to my overreactive bladder. I have one because they had to cut off half of my uterus because of cancerous cells and I had surgery on my bladder to a non cancerous growth. They cut it off and wanted to see what it was. So I’ve had issues with my bladder being overreactive especially with water and tea.

[@asiajana4314]

I would say hopelessness as well.

[@dejamcneal3011]

The distractions. The feeling of needing to scroll on my phone for no reason at all. I realize my desire to pray and read the word decreases when I do this constantly. Holy Spirit help us to desire more of you even in our “down time”!

[@LovethroughAbby]

yuppp ! me too 🫠

[@melissascholfield1162]

Amen!!!

[@kerrywilliams8672]

Amen

[@Hillsong_music_best_playlist]

My Mom just died yesterday from cancer... I sent this to her when she was going through intense pain! She was an angel through it all

[@Pickedpurposely]

My condolences 💐

[@sharrellfaith]

My condolences hunny. I lost my mommy this year too. 😢❤ stay strong in Christ.

[@dalpaengi]

My condolences. May her memory be a blessing.

[@ashleymorgan1687]

My condolences ❤️

[@yoliv2946]

My condolences ❤

[@NanaHoneyB]

10:46 “He has made everything beautiful in its time” - Ecclesiastes 3:11

[@VictoriaDonny]

Amen, God is good.

[@symmone7300]

I needed this one thank you

[@chichielem1843]

Another to add would be .... Letting go of harmful friendships... Definitely not an easy one but with God's help it's possible! Thanks for sharing Melody 😊

[@Fervent21]

6) Resentment. This one has been really hard for me. My husband decided to walk away from our marriage after 20 yrs. I have been having a hard time speaking with him nicely. I keep praying that God softens my heart and that he teaches me to speak with love. Thank you Melody for this encouragement. God bless you.

[@jennifergreen9160]

Appreciate you and this video. I've been single for months (previously widowed) and decided to maintain the same for 2024. Relationships are a distraction to my growth with God. 🙏

[@fun_in_fifth]

I needed to see this comment! I am now single after being previously widowed and this last relationship was a huge distraction from God.

[@sevenrue4754]

Things i am giving up -Social media (gave up a long time ago just had tik tok but giving that up too) -Things i consume ( poor music, poor diet) - impatience -people/ places/ things don’t don’t align with the new me! Things i am adding -silence/non productiveness -daily prayer/ Bible reading -clean eating and exercise - working on my dreams aggressively - -

[@SpiritLedLisa]

I impressed myself this year with how fiercely I chased God. I've always walked with God but this year, I took my pursuit for my Father to another level and i plan to continue ❤

[@ayomideg8612]

any tips?🥺

[@SpiritLedLisa]

@ayomideg8612 Hello Sis! Compliments of the season to you. Here are some of the things I did (in no particular order) 1. I made effort to fully commit to attending weekly Bible study (and Church services) and stop making excuses for missing attendance 2. I decided to set aside designated time to pray EVERYDAY rather than just waiting for a prayerful mood to hit me randomly...time to listen from God and worship. I found that secluded time like taking runs or jogs in nature was the best time for me to really connect with God uninterrupted by the beautiful chaos of my home 😅 3. I stopped waiting on the 'big' things in life to experience God's presence (nothing wrong with the big things btw) but instead I asked the Holy Spirit to intentionally show me daily little things I can find joy in and experience the goodness of God e.g gardening, watching a sunset, talking a walk and breathing in God's air etc 4. I spend a lot of time on youtube learning things daily and I purposely started curating what takes up more attention, and this was choosing more God-focused content than entertainment 5. I asked God to show me ways I can be a little more selfless and focus more on serving others than myself all the time. E.g, I started a personal tradition were every year on my birthday, I will choose a charitable organisation to go and donate to as a gift time myself. It felt amazing I could always come back n share more

[@Danielsgirl389]

SIS!!! God just answered my prayer through yours words in this video💖I can’t thank Him enough & using you as His vessel. God bless you, Melody! You speak His word so beautifully. This was extremely convicting -in the best way! Thank you!!!!!!

[@afenilukhelee]

I think you touched on it with the 3rd point. We need to leave behind our pride. Believing that we know better than God what our lives could and should look like and how we think as we can do things on our own, without His help and guidance. We need to stop being prodical daughters!

[@MelodyAlisa]

amen, sis!! so beautifully said

[@graynight3478]

Prayers please. I'm contesting to my professor about my grade and ai usage. It's regarding academic dishonesty. I wrote a lengthy paper to explain my thoughts. I'm praying that it works out well in my favor and that I managed to convince my professor well. Thank you

[@PecanBrown1023]

I truly appreciate you posting this video. I was figuring out where I fell off with God. So this video is proof that He’s so near to me, and pulling back to Him. Girl you came with this video on time for me today. Taking notes 📝 and will apply this moving forward with God

[@TeHealthAndWellnessCoach]

Hey sis! I gave up all social media To draw closer to him and trust him in my business venture and depend on him to do what he said he would do!

[@ACM8806]

I think that asking God to change our heart posture. Making sure we're looking deep within ourselves and asking God for help to remove things that keep us out of his and will and presence. My pastor said in a sermon that we have to make sure our relationship with God is not transactional. We can't only come to God when we need things. We want to seek him wholeheartedly. Really want his will, not ours.

[@randompieces_xyz]

1. Distractions 2. Shows & Movies (you’re getting convicted on) 3. Self sufficiency 4. Speaking poorly about ourselves 5. Impatience 6. Not involving God with every detail of my life

[@aliciasheffield-rw9em]

First thing, thank you for your content. I truly love your channel it speaks to my heart, mind and soul every single time. Now, I would say to add giving up the need to be in “control “ or truthfully false sense of control. Our Father God will definitely remind you (me) 😊 who truly is in control.

[@calinazulu1258]

Notification gang checking in all the way from South Africa❤

[@jessicazantal7265]

Your content is beautiful. The truth you are speaking is so inspiring. You are a woman that follows God and it's so inspiring. I'm new on my walk and pray he continues to sanctify me and create me to be the woman he has called me to be.

[@AnointedAndAppointed796]

I need to drop doubt and have confidence that the Lord I serve is gracious and what he says will come to pass. Thank You Lord for Loving Me how I am to get to where YOU WANT ME TO BE❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Mssclark]

Definitely talking about others/gossip and praying for them instead.

[@kenolaricot2457]

Katt told the whole true i that interview and I am here for it 2024 is truly the age of Aquarius anf things are being exposed. ❤

[@corinaibarra3483]

My 6th thing would be comparison. I see others around me flourishing and feel like they are way ahead of me. But everyone has their own timing, my time will come and I will not have a need for comparison because I will be content. I just have to leave it with God. Let go and let God!

[@tierrawilson5910]

Thanks 🙏🏾 sis. Needed this the 6 thing would be leavening the past in the past

[@shirleyebuka]

I need to give up in believe. As much as I have faith in God and in what He can do, I still have limiting beliefs in other things even when I speak positively about that thing. There’s still this tiny feeling somewhere down there that doubts. I really want to give it up. I want to speak Gods will for my life into existence without quantifying it or thinking it’s too big for me or not. I know for sure that the enemy’s plan is for us to compromise. And when we do we settle. God didn’t create me and keep me this far to settle. Settling doesn’t glorify God in my life. So I pray against every limiting belief in my life and heart and I detach my spirit from it. Ijn amen. My faith is sound!

[@ChangedandChosen]

The distractions is a big one for me. He has already been yanking on my heart to just sit in silence with Him. Like you, im always playing a video, podcast or music. Also the movies. Its a thing for my husband and i to watch a movie every night before bed. Will definitely check out Great American Pure Flix!! Thank you. This video was exactly what i need before going into 2024❤

[@sonyawanjiku4213]

Be consistent with prayer as well❤

[@johannees622]

God is the prize! 🏆 ❤

[@vellyville_]

The one thing that I had to give up this year that PUSHED my relationship with God forward is the need to idolize the things he has blessed me with. So basically not putting my blessing in front of God but glorying his name because of them and because of WHO HE IS

[@tstewart2986]

Hello Sis! 6. People pleasing, and fear. You mentioned saying no and i feel that pleasing others, can stand in a way of growth, maturing in God... getting closer to God, because we worry about other people reaction or wanting to be liked or accepted by them, not realizing it holds no weight to already being accepted by God Himself, and also how our Father feel we have to work with the Lord in the things we are praying for and the things He has for us to do and not against His will and way. Worry is another one I've learned along with fear that is a big hinderance and a worship to the enemy, because those are tools he use to come against God's children.

[@peacechristabel3734]

Thank you for sharing Sis ❤ God bless you😊

[@brieanderson4939]

It goes along with distractions, but EXCUSES! Someone said fear which is usually the source of my excuses, but I have to stop making the excuses and just do it.

[@sophiap9194]

Thank you for this video Melody! I hope you continue to make it a series as it really helped me. I could say the 6th thing for me would be Trusting in the Lord. I always find myself trying to take things into my own hands and I forget I need to trust God because he’s got me. So I would say trusting in God is a struggle but is the only way to truly let him work and not worry about things in life because I am his daughter and he will provide in his own time and in his own way ❤

[@ajldesigns71]

This is confirmation for me as I'm drawing closer to Him. I've given up social media platforms, and I am slowly but surely giving up watching tv and/or certain tv shows. Pray for me, y'all! Also, saying no. I realize I don't have to be a part of everything right now, especially since I'm at a place where I believe God just wants it to be Him and I in this season. Overall, everything you've discussed God has revealed to me in some way. Thank you for your obedience! ❤👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@PeaceBeStill24]

How did you give them up? I keep scrolling so much

[@ajldesigns71]

​@PeaceBeStill24 I recognized that what I was putting in was coming out as well as I wasn't gaining anything from it. Once I equated scrolling with time I could use to study the Word of God, worship, etc., that helped me stop. Also, prayer. It's not easy to give something up we do all the time. I pray that scrolling and any other distractions/ hindrances will cease in the name of Jesus, so that you will draw closer to God as He draws closer to you. In the name of Jesus, yes and amen!

[@sehlagaseopa556]

Comparison (Covet) to one other and just remembering that we are all in different seasons at different times. Where you are us exaclty where God wants you to be . Trst the process there is greatness ahead Amen ❤

[@nourishcenter]

I love your videos, and I seriously need to do a better job of liking and commenting on them! I literally watch everyone but need to like and comment so that the algorithm works in your favor :)

[@play.girljasz6488]

Yesss!!!!! Everything you said love God bless you loveee❤️❤️!!!! One more thing I would add is prioritize God and take care of myself🫶🏽🫶🏽.

[@jamarrthompson737]

The self sufficiency one hit me because that definitely be me but I’m trying to come out of that and just depend on him all the time !.

[@StayFocused902]

I don’t do negative self talk anymore but I do harp on mistakes I’ve made in the past even though I know God forgives me.

[@khensk]

I struggle so so much with negative self-talk. I really pray God gives me the strength to overcome it

[@karmathephoenix2474]

Even during the turn of the 20th century, it was impossible for people to wait on God. So patience which is one of the gifts of the spirit, will definitely be an attribute/gift that will challenge many of us waiting on God to move for us in this AI driven society.

[@esthertibane2728]

Thank you soo much ♥️

[@marthadanzy367]

Thank you💕

[@AudaL]

Very timely video thank you !! Definitely have been feeling convicted about shows I’m such a “ see it through person “ that i want to finish the season but this is a reminder to replace it with something holy

[@DeanaMarie71]

I love Great American Pure Flix! It's definitely better than Netflix or the others even Hallmark. Hallmark started pushing evil agendas. Pure Flix doesn't do that 😀

[@heyitssteph8094]

This video was so on time for me, literally everything I been struggling with was said 🙏🏾🙌🏾 the 6th for me would be control.

[@nicoleholder1759]

Really needed to hear this video! I have been praying about a lot of the things that you spoke about in this video, so thank you!!

[@samanthakillette9067]

Amen & Amen girl!

[@queenmeich3071]

Overthinking

[@dalpaengi]

I’ll pray for you. Overthinking and rumination are difficult. But the Lord is with you. He will strengthen you.

[@sinoxolondlovu7084]

Bless you Melody for this message🌻

[@audryross]

The urge to self-gratify especially in moments of weakness. I wish the site to stream was available world wide

[@Shalonta.Edwards]

My #6 is spending TOO much time on SOCIAL MEDIA! That goes along with distractions, but I have to call it out specifically for me!

[@AdrianeMc0685]

Thank you! Very much needed.

[@Laylay904]

#6, thinking the worst about everything

[@mocheney21]

Fear, anxiety, and worry.

[@ravenwashington2675]

My thing would be being lazy with God, I cannot expect him and I to have this grand relationship that I want if I do not also put in the constant work to at least meet him halfway.

[@samanthasithole1835]

This is definitely a word in season Melody! ❤❤❤ I love how you said “your man, yes sis I said it!” 😅😅😅 haha! So on point!

[@lakijahfloyd1878]

Intentional Mood Swings: some of us allow our emotions to lead too much which causes anger, frustration, and may even create our own lonlinessand depressive states. Letting go of this and finding self-control and discipline will draw us closer to God as we rely on Him, vent to Him, and let Him guide our reactions and responses.This will also help us to be in the constant state of peace/peace-maker. We would become UNSTOPPABLE,be our best selves and allow us to hold on to our joy and victory longer. 1 Corinthians 15:58

[@YouTubenow112]

Thank you so much for this video 🤍🥹

[@MelodyAlisa]

You’re so welcome sis!! Pray is encourages you to draw closer to Him ♥️♥️

[@lyndahdube]

My distraction is weed - please pray for me!!!

[@MaryN928]

The use of social media is major distraction for me

[@LifewithAlTesha]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@sheryl2024]

#6 Workplace Stress

[@rolivhuwasadiki4397]

❤

[@shamarafleming592]

I love your channel Sis. But where in the bible dose it say that December 25th is Jesus (Yahusha) birthday? Also where dose it say that we should celebrate him this way?

[@YgalSharon]

Hey sis! God's the prize

[@chisambukalukangu15]

🎉🎉

[@MelodyAlisa]

woo woo! are you also excited for the new year?!

[@sarasoria00]

🔝🔝🔝

[@StormsHurt]

Christmas is worship of the Sun God disguised as worship of the son of God

[@senastudycorner]

The sixth thing for me would be caring too much about people’s opinions

[@YgalSharon]

As humans, we tend to worry almost about everything in our lives. We fear we might lose smthg if we give up control or we might not get it if we do not strive for it. Well, when you walk with the Lord, you rapidly learn that there's no losing. Don't be afraid to be rejected or miss out on things you think are important to you. The Lord has always the best for you. You just don't see it now.

[@mosiliapafia5259]

AMEN that's so true

[@Jesusisoursavior_]

Amen

[@bn-lq5jl]

Amen

[@asiahsimone]

I am so excited to walk into this next year with God. The 6th thing we should let go of is comparison! Everyone has a different journey. You never know what the next person is dealing with behind closed doors. We often only see one dimension of a person's life. Remind yourself that you are unique, special, and loved. Channel your energy into being inspired instead of comparing someone's Chapter 14 with your Chapter 1 or 2. Stay blessed everyone! Thank you Melody for this video!

[@Kiesha-rq4bf]

This‼️‼️ God has definitely being working on me in this area

[@Kiesha-rq4bf]

Thanks for sharing sis

[@asiahsimone]

No problem lovely! ❤@@Kiesha-rq4bf

[@laurenmoreland1173]

Amen

[@silentlyflourish]

That’s good!!

[@kittiq]

2:17 [1. Distractions] 3:42 [2. Bad TV shows and movies] 6:42 [3. Self-sufficiency] 8:52 [4. Speaking poorly about ourselves] 10:47 [5. Impatience] 12:07 [Your turn! Choose what your #6 is gonna be. How can you draw closer to God?]

[@dez9005]

THank you. ❤

[@mariammartinendoyela]

6th: Holding grudges (Unforgiving hearts) Be blessed, Melody

[@_Palesa_M]

This was a much-needed video! 💫🙏🏽 My number 6 would be my lack of trust in God. I still struggle with fully trusting God, however, I understand now that trust is an important ingredient in building and maintaining a strong relationship, especially a relationship with God. I need to rest in knowing that God will always want what’s best for me, and even though I might not have the foresight, I should trust where he leads always! 🤍🌸

[@ayanathomas6427]

Me too

[@carolynlashley4370]

In my opinion: #6: Comparing - making comparisons between you and colleagues, family, friends, neighbors, strangers. God has OUR unique plan/journey laid out for us so there is no need to compare yourself to someone else. You are uniquely and beautifully made in God's image. 🙏🏽

[@deonjennings4440]

For me personally, it's fear. I struggle with it, and it feels overwhelmingly shameful as a Christian. But, by His grace and His redemption, I am learning to lean on Jesus.

[@ChrisA72595]

I feel the same.. health worries and general worries and fears..

[@achillesH.E.A.L]

6. Carrying the burdens and battles God already has covered. Like you, @Melody Alisa, I grew up SUPER independent. Having to help raise my brother and becoming an adult before my time, has naturally evolved in my life and relationships. That seed has harbored an independence in me that gets in God's way! I feel it AFTER I pause in my fussing, anger and frustration as to why things are happening or working out in the way I believed they should. This is a daily battle. I pray as I draw closer to God this mindset diminishes! Thank you for this word as always, Sis.

[@redginaguerrier631]

Pride: I struggle with pride but what has helped me is to remember humility isn't thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less because you are preoccupied with JESUS.

[@lavenderface_lilmari0420]

The Sixth thing that I'm leaving in 2023, is doubtfulness. The Lord is carrying me and my family through an uncomfortable journey and we've learned that it doesn't matter on the destination. The trust we have for Him is enough to know MY GOD WILL LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US !!! My God will provide for us and that's the spirit I'm carrying to the new year.

[@London.marieee]

This was such a blessing, one thing we should give up is projecting and comparison. Everyone journey with Christ is unique. God is in control and he knows what he is doing.

[@blessedngrateful2254]

Thank you for sharing these tools🥰 No 3 reminds me of a quick story my Pastor told us this Sunday...There was a man driving to the grocery store. He was in a big hurry and frantically searching for a parking spot. After going up and down each aisle twice, he says "God, if you give me a parking spot, I will go to church on Sunday" and no sooner than those words coming out of his mouth, a car directly in front of him started to back out of a spot. Then the man says "Never mind God, I got it" lol

[@shanaewatson-pryce9221]

Lol

[@AudaL]

😭

[@ChildofGod98765]

Jesus give me grace and endurance this Christmas. As a single mother my number one priority, are my sons. Both of them are autistic so they require a lot from me. God give me strength as I struggle to provide for them. My faith in you is still strong! Even as I struggle to pay rent every month and I struggle to buy groceries for my children, I KEEP FAITH in you LORD. Jesus hear my prayers I’m so overwhelmed and discouraged because I’m also battling lupus and have heart issues. Lord give me strength because I want to give up. 😢

[@jhughes974]

Continue to call your body healed using the Word of God. Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 103, Hebrews 4:12, Mark 5:35. Remember we walk by faith and not by sight ❤️

[@chosen2324]

God definitely is speaking to me through you. I've been convicted about all 5 (especially number 4 -my exact situation down to the years😮). #6 (similar to #3) is to fully trust in God even when His plans don't make sense.

[@claudinetownsend1140]

Sleep rising up earlier to work God around our schedule

[@Janaemarie99_]

The 6th thing I think we should all work on in 2024 is to be more grateful for everything. Our health, our mind, our home, children, etc. ❤

[@sheilarichard4610]

Read the word more

[@sheilarichard4610]

Comparison

[@Angelic_xo]

No hesitation!! Its kinda like what you said about conviction and what you watch, except when the lord put it on your heart to act or get rid of something… do it! Less hesitation more obedience!!😌

[@Elaine-hh8ez]

I would say food for myself and fast more

[@itsgabbieagain]

Me too

[@dalpaengi]

Me too.

[@MsBuffalo]

This is my favourite. Appreciate it Sis. May God bless you! I am single mother of a 10 year boy, been single for 3 years. Celibate. Dating is hard. I tend to worry about everything and want to do the right thing. I’m grateful that God send you to keep on reminding me about HIM and how amazing is HIM.

[@sadiemccoy4208]

Giving up other individuals who don’t align with our walk with God

[@aprilbenson7789]

Be prayerful like setting time out just to go to him in prayer not just to ask for something but stay connected to his divine connection that we already have ..i struggles with this because i am not one who memorizes scripture as I need and the busy life i read the bible but I don't really always find my how it connects to me moments.

[@Guidance777]

I feel frustrated and tired with my life. My husband filed for divorce last November. He immediately started dating, which broke my heart. I have been praying for supernatural strength to get through this. I need help. Can you please pray for my family and me? I need a miracle. I pray God shows me my purpose to my life.

[@NewCreationInChrist896]

Most Christmas movies today celebrate Christmas not Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 👑

[@Techsightstudio]

We need to cultivate the habit of prayer, worship and daily reminder through scriptures in the bible or a daily devotional focus on how to draw more closer to him because we can't do it on our own. And we need to keep track daily because i think consistency is the key. God bless you all...

[@TheLittlePrayerCafe]

Kind to ourselves. Tell ourselves we can do better. Never be laced with shame or meanness. This is a blessing… ❤ Impatience is definitely one that I struggle with.

[@rebelwithapurpose]

The 6th thine we need to give up is guilt and shame of our past

[@sadiemccoy4208]

In order to grow closer to God we need to give up the people that God told us to let go off

[@bethgeorgia9704]

My number 6 is my lukewarmness 2024 I want a consistent relationship with God