God Is Not a Genie: Cultivating a True Relationship with Him

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Are We Treating God Like a Genie?

Imagine this: You rub an old lamp, and out pops a genie, ready to grant your every wish. "I want a new job!" "I need more money!" "Fix my problems!" The genie nods, grants your requests, and disappears until you need him again.

Now, let’s be honest—does that sound a little too familiar with how we sometimes approach God?

Our prayers can often feel like a shopping list rather than a conversation. We ask for healing, financial blessings, success, or open doors, and when things don’t happen the way we expect, we get frustrated. Why isn’t God answering me? we wonder. Doesn’t He care?

The truth is, God does care—but He is not a genie. He is not here just to grant our wishes. He desires something much deeper: a real, thriving relationship with us.

God Wants More Than Just Our Requests

In today’s world, it’s easy to see God as a means to an end. We read His Word, not to know Him better, but to find promises we can "claim" for our lives. We focus on what we can get from Him rather than on who He is. But that’s not the kind of relationship God wants.

Look at Matthew 6:33 again. Jesus doesn’t say, "Ask for what you want, and God will give it to you." He says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." In other words, seek God, not just His gifts.

There’s nothing wrong with bringing our needs before God. In fact, He tells us to do so (Philippians 4:6). But if our prayers are only about what we want, we’re missing out on the true joy of knowing Him.

The Bible Is Not a Wishlist—It’s a Love Letter

Many of us approach the Bible as if it’s a book of magical formulas:

• "God, You said in Jeremiah 29:11 that You have good plans for me—so why am I struggling?"

• "Your Word says I should prosper—why am I still broke?"

But the Bible is not a collection of wishes waiting to be granted. It’s an invitation to know God’s heart. When we read Scripture just to find promises we can "claim," we turn it into a transaction rather than a relationship.

Yes, God’s Word is full of His promises—but they are meant to lead us closer to Him, not just to give us what we want.

Take Psalm 37:4 for example:

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (NKJV)

Many focus on the second half—"God will give me the desires of my heart!"—but the key is in the first part: "Delight yourself in the Lord." When our greatest joy is in Him, our desires align with His will. And that’s when we experience His blessings—not because we’re demanding them, but because we’re walking in step with Him.

What Does a True Relationship with God Look Like?

So, if God isn’t a genie, and the Bible isn’t just a wishlist, what does a real relationship with Him look like?

1. Seek Him for Who He Is, Not Just What He Can Do

   • Instead of starting your prayers with requests, start with worship and gratitude. Thank Him for His love, His presence, and who He is in your life.

2. Read the Bible to Know Him, Not Just to Claim Promises

   • Ask yourself, What does this passage teach me about God’s character? How can I apply this to my life?

3. Talk to Him Like a Friend, Not a Vending Machine

   • Prayer is a conversation, not a transaction. Take time to listen. Sit in His presence, even when you don’t have requests.

4. Trust His Timing and His Will

   • Instead of saying, "God, why haven’t You done this for me?" try, "Lord, what are You teaching me in this season?"

5. Make Him the Center of Your Life

   • Seeking God isn’t just about Sunday church services. It’s about making Him the priority in your daily life—your decisions, relationships, and even your thoughts.

A Heart Check: Are We Using God or Truly Loving Him?

At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves: Do we love God for who He is? Or are we just using Him to get what we want?

God’s greatest desire is not just to bless us—but to know us and be known by us. He doesn’t want to be our genie. He wants to be our Father, our Friend, our Savior, our Everything.

So let’s shift our mindset. Let’s seek His heart before His hand. Let’s pursue a real, deep relationship with Him—because in the end, that’s the greatest blessing of all.

Want to Grow Closer to God?

Subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com for more insights and encouragement on your faith journey!

Interactive Exercise: Fill in the Blanks – Seeking God’s Heart

Let’s test what you’ve learned! Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the blog.

1. “But seek first the ________ of God and His ________, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

2. We should seek God’s ______ before His ______.

3. Instead of treating God like a _______, we should build a true ________ with Him.

4. The Bible is not just a book of ________ to claim, but an invitation to know God’s _______.

5. “Delight yourself also in the _______, and He shall give you the _______ of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NKJV)

Bonus Challenge:

Try to memorize Matthew 6:33 this week and say it daily as a reminder to seek God first!

(Answers can be found by rereading the blog!) 😊

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have treated You like a means to an end rather than seeking You for who You truly are. Teach me to delight in Your presence, to trust in Your perfect timing, and to desire a deeper relationship with You above all else. Transform my heart so that my prayers are not just requests but conversations filled with love, gratitude, and surrender. Draw me closer to You each day, so that my greatest joy is simply knowing You more.

Amen.