I remember the days when I used to switch to a different radio station the instant I realized I was listening to Z88.3. It wasn't because I didn't believe in God or understand why He is more than deserving enough to have an entire radio station that is devoted to praising His (and Jesus') name.

On the contrary, I would actually choose to change the station immediately for a combination of reasons. First of all, I thought that all of the announcers, the singers, and the guests on the station were extremists (and that was an inexplicably terrifying thought to me). You know those people who will literally stand outside with religious signs while screaming and pointing at you because you're a "sinner" who needs to know that Jesus is coming?

Well, that's exactly one of the reasons why I would immediately change the station to something else as soon as I knew I was listening to it. Secondly, I also wasn't entirely sure of the "messages" the Z88.3 community was trying to convey, as well as whether or not these messages would align with what I and what God wanted me to believe.

Trust me, I've believed in God ever since I was old enough to understand who He is and why He should always be the most significant part of my life. It's just kind of scary when you don't know who's right and who's wrong. Inspired by one of my dearest and sweetest friends, this article is my attempt to inspire those of you who wish to grow closer in your relationship with God but are unsure of how to do so in ways that are both comfortable and fulfilling.

Before we go any further, I would first like all of you to understand that just because you do all of the following, it does NOT at all mean that you are an extremist. Remember, these are all just steps you can take to grow in your relationship with God if you choose to do so either now or in the future.

1. Wait until you actually want to grow in your relationship with God.

Establishing and intensifying your relationship with God is not something that can be forced. It's a choice that you (and only YOU) can make whenever you feel comfortable and ready enough to make it. Remember those people I talked about earlier with the signs and the screams? That's definitely NOT how you should be introduced to God or even think you should be introduced to God. Think about it like deciding on the kind of career you want to pursue in the future.

As a college student, you're constantly required to put in the effort to doing well in all of the classes you need to take in order to pursue that career. If you don't really have the desire to pursue that career in the first place, then you'll likely end up performing very poorly in most if not all of your classes. It's the same with growing with God. You've got to want to grow in your relationship with Him before you can actually start to do so.

2. Start knowing and continue to know Him.

In other words, don't instantly switch off Z88.3 (the Christian radio station) as soon as you hear it. Instead, take time to really listen to and understand the messages of the songs and of the people who are affiliated with them and the radio station itself. Engage in activities that will help you understand what the truth is in ways that you are comfortable with believing it to be.

3. Talk to close friends of yours who also keep God at the center of their life.

In my opinion, this is honestly the BEST and most comfortable way to establish and grow in your relationship with God. Close friends of yours who also keep God at the center of their life can help you with what you don't understand.

They want to help you understand. They might even invite you to attend Bible study sessions with them, or even to sit down for a bit to talk with you about your struggles and introduce you to God at the same time. Honestly, don't read the Bible or go to church alone if you're not comfortable with it.

I've actually never been to church or attended a Bible study session before, but I do believe wholeheartedly in God. I just haven't been introduced to one that I feel adheres to what God wants me to believe. That's why I am more than blessed to currently have a very close friend of mine who continues to make my process of growing with God one that is both comfortable and fulfilling for me.

She even has a roommate who is also very connected with God in a way that isn't at all overbearing or too spiritual for my liking. It's actually very fun and eye-opening to be able to sit down with like-minded people who feel just the same as you do about God and other matters.

Give it a try! And trust me, once is enough to know you never want to go back to not knowing these wonderful people.

4. Incorporate God into your life in as many ways as you possibly can.

In other words, if you're struggling with an assignment or are concerned about driving in the dark to get home, talk to Him. Ask Him for inspiration, motivation, company and protection along the way.

If you're not sure how to react in a situation or made some sort of mistake in doing so, tell Him exactly how you feel. Ask Him for advice and forgiveness if you feel you truly deserve it. But most of all, pray to Him and let Him know how much you love and appreciate his presence in your life.

Because while God has the power to do anything and everything, you should never be greedy with your intentions in connecting with Him. After all, connecting with God isn't at all about getting what you want.

It's about having Him as a constant blessing to be able to turn to on your worst days whenever you need some company or just reassurance that everything is going to be okay. It's about being more than blessed to have Him as the ultimate source that gives your life continual purpose, love, and strength. Making God a part of your life isn't something to be fearful of.

It's something you should choose to be open to whenever you're ready.