Beyond the Surface: How to Build a Deep Connection with God

Jesus once told a story about how to build a strong life. In Luke 6:47-48, he said:

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. [48] They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Luke 6:47-48

Jesus taught us that a strong, unshakable life starts with depth. When we’re connected to God deeply, we can be strong and confident, even when life gets hard.

But it’s our natural instinct to stay on the surface— to focus on appearances, distractions, or what feels easier. Honestly, it is easier to ignore the things that feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. But ignoring those things doesn’t heal them, and we miss out on a real connection with God.

This Bible study will help us recognize superficiality, build a deeper connection with God, and discover the life-changing benefits of spiritual depth.

How do I know when I’m being superficial?

1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
… The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Proverbs 14:13 TPT 
Superficial laughter can hide a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the pain resurfaces.

James 3:14-15 AMP 
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. [15] This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic.

Isaiah 29:13 TPT 
This is what the Lord says about these people: “They come near to me with hollow words and honor me superficially with their lips; all the while their hearts run far away from me! Their worship is nothing more than man-made rules.

Matthew 13:18,20-21 NLT
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: [20] The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. [21] But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

Ephesians 4:17-19 NIV
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

How can God help me have depth?

Psalm 139:1-6 NIrV 
LORD, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me. [2] You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away.  … [6] I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can understand.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV 
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Psalm 62:8 NIV
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. [13] But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

What happens when I go deeper?

Romans 12:2 AMP 
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Matthew 9:36-38 TPT 
When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. [37] He turned to his disciples and said, “The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in. [38] As you go, plead with the Owner of the Harvest to thrust out many more reapers to harvest his grain!”