If the journey of personal growth is like a slow-cooked meal, then looking at God is the secret ingredient that transforms the whole dish. It’s the deep, nourishing practice that both enhances your personal development and anchors it in something eternal.
In my previous post, I shared how so many of us—especially Gen Z—fall for what I call “microwave personal development.” We look for quick fixes, trendy self-help hacks, and instant results to satisfy our deep hunger for growth. But as I’ve learned (the hard way), real growth is slow. It takes time, patience, and consistency.
Here’s the thing, though: slow-cooked personal development isn’t just about building better habits or gaining self-awareness. True, lasting transformation happens when we shift our focus upward—to God. It’s a practice that reshapes not just how we grow, but who we’re becoming in the process.
Why “Looking at God” Matters in Personal Growth
We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction. Social media, work, relationships, and the pressure to “have it all figured out” can leave us feeling overwhelmed and ungrounded. But when we look at God—intentionally turning our focus to Him—we step into a deeper rhythm of life.
Looking at God isn’t about following a religious checklist. It’s about building an inward connection with Him—a connection that transforms every part of who we are.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. Throughout His life, He continuously turned His attention to God the Father. He said, “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing”(John 5:19). His union with God wasn’t just the foundation of His identity—it was the source of His strength, peace, and purpose.
For us, this practice offers the same life-changing benefits:
• Clarity in the chaos: Looking at God reminds us what truly matters, cutting through the noise of modern life.
• Strength for the journey: Instead of relying on our own limited energy, we draw from God’s infinite power.
• Deeper transformation: When we center our lives on God, our growth isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s about becoming who we were created to be.
The Problem with Self-Focused Growth
Many of us (myself included) have tried to do personal growth on our own. We read the self-help books, set the goals, build the habits, and strive to be our best selves. And while these things aren’t bad, they often leave us feeling like something is missing.
Why? Because growth without God is shallow.
When we focus solely on ourselves—our performance, our achievements, our image—we eventually burn out. We chase self-help strategies like microwave meals, only to find that they don’t fill us up. But when we look at God, we discover a kind of growth that goes deeper than surface-level fixes.
God doesn’t just want us to be better versions of ourselves; He wants us to be transformed from the inside out. And that kind of transformation only happens when we surrender completely to Him.
How to “Look at God” in Today’s Fast-Paced World
So how do we practice looking at God in the middle of our busy, distracted lives? It starts with small, intentional steps.
1. Start with the Quiet Moments
Before you reach for your phone in the morning, reach for God. Spend even five minutes in prayer, thanking Him for a new day. In a world that glorifies productivity, starting your day with stillness reminds you that God is your true source of strength.
2. Refocus Throughout the Day
Looking at God isn’t just for Sunday mornings or devotional time—it’s a daily practice. As you go through your day, make it a habit to pause and turn your heart toward Him. Whether you’re walking to class, sitting in traffic, or scrolling online, take a moment to pray, reflect, or simply acknowledge His presence.
3. Ground Yourself in His Word
God reveals Himself through Scripture, and the Bible serves as a compass for personal growth. Try reading and meditating on one or two verses a day—passages like Psalm 23 or John 15 are great places to start. You don’t need to rush; let His words sink in and guide your thinking.
4. Be Honest with Him
Sometimes growth feels messy, and that’s okay. Instead of trying to have it all together, bring your struggles to God. Whether you’re feeling anxious, discouraged, or unsure of your next steps, talk to Him. He’s not looking for perfection—He’s seeking a heart connection.
5. Reflect on His Faithfulness
At the end of the day, take time to look back. Where did you see God at work? How did you feel His love? This simple practice of reflection not only helps you notice His presence but also builds gratitude and trust in Him.
The Benefits of Looking at God
When you make looking at God part of your personal development, something incredible happens. You stop striving for perfection and start resting in His grace. Your growth becomes less about fixing yourself and more about walking with Him.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Peace: Instead of stressing about the future, you’ll find comfort in knowing God is in control.
• Clarity: When you focus on God, the distractions of life fade, and your priorities become clear.
• Strength: God’s presence gives you the resilience to face challenges, even when growth feels slow.
• Purpose: Looking at God reminds you that your life has meaning beyond success or achievement.
A Final Word: Slow Down and Look Up
If microwave personal development is about quick fixes, then looking at God is about the long game. It’s the slow, steady process of building a relationship with Him—a relationship that shapes who we are and how we grow.
So, to my fellow Gen Zers chasing transformation, I’ll say this: slow down. Stop trying to microwave your way to fulfillment. Instead, turn your eyes to God.
True personal growth doesn’t happen in a rush; it happens in the quiet, intentional moments where you meet Him. Look to God, and let Him do the deep work of transformation in your life.
Because just like slow-cooked meals, the wait is always worth it.
When you pause to look at God, what challenges or doubts do you find yourself wrestling with?
Journey with Della 