In this post, we’ll explore what it really means to live with God, why His ways are life-giving, and how you can enjoy walking with Him daily—using the parable of the prodigal son and key Bible verses as our guide. But before that, let me share my story with you.

Living With God Is Hard In The Beginning

When I first became a Christian, I was super excited. I felt like I had finally found the treasure I was seeking for all my life. My life felt complete. I was so full of joy and confidence. I felt like since God is with me, I will always be successful in anything I put my hand to. But as I grew in maturity, God began to chip away at sin in my life. At first, it was bad habits such as smoking, drinking, using cuss words in my speech and the likes. But later on, God started dealing with deeper issues in my heart, such as pride, lust, self reliance, impatience, and more. Slowly this chipping away at sin began to feel like a daily battle with a powerful enemy. I was getting exhausted. Living a Christian life wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. To be honest, there was several occasions when I thought that life was a lot easier without God than with God.

But God’s love wouldn’t let me go. He was super patient with me and super gracious towards me. His mercies towards me were new everyday. I failed him a zillion times, but He just wouldn’t let go. I have cried many tears over many years. Then one day I realized, I was only feeling this whole drudgery of living with God because I was refusing to let go of sin and worldliness. Oh! the freedom of surrender and obedience to God’s way of life is so much better. It is truly “life” and “health” both physical and emotional.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, 

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
 for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.

The Prodigal Son: Freedom Without God vs Life With the Father

Think about the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). The younger son thought he was missing out by staying at home under his father’s care. He wanted “freedom”—so he left, spent all his inheritance, and lived as he pleased. For a while, it seemed exciting. But soon he found himself broke, hungry, and feeding pigs—longing even for their food. That’s when reality hit: he was much better off with his father.

That’s how it is with us and God. Sometimes we think we’ll be happier making our own rules. But when life’s emptiness hits, we realize what Jesus said is true:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Life outside God’s presence may feel fun for a season, but it always leaves us hungry and empty. Real life begins when we come home to Him.

God’s Ways Are Not Burdensome But Life-Giving

Jesus makes this clear:

“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

Following God isn’t about carrying impossible weights. His commands are actually for our good:

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)

Think of it like seatbelts in a car. At first, they feel restrictive, like they’re holding you back. But in reality, they’re keeping you safe so you can enjoy the ride. God’s boundaries work the same way—they’re there so you can experience true freedom without destroying yourself.

Living with God can feel like having a strict gym trainer. At first, the exercises are painful. You sweat, ache, and sometimes feel like giving up. But over time, you grow stronger, healthier, and more disciplined. What felt like “hard work” turns out to be the path to your best self.

In the same way, God trains us through His Word and Spirit—not to crush us, but to build us up so we can enjoy life at its fullest.

How to Enjoy Living With God

So how do we stop merely tolerating living with God and start enjoying it?

1. Trust His heart – Remember He’s a loving Father, not a harsh taskmaster (Psalm 103:13).
2. Embrace His Word – See it as life-giving, not life-limiting (Psalm 119:105).
3. Stay close in prayer – A relationship grows when you spend time together (John 15:5).
4. Celebrate His grace – Even when you fall, He welcomes you back, just like the prodigal’s father (Luke 15:20).
5. Look at the bigger picture – God’s plans are always for your good, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Living with God isn’t about surviving under heavy rules. It’s about thriving in a relationship with the Father who loves us. Like the prodigal son, we may think we’re freer without Him, but the truth is—we’re at our best when we’re home with Him. God’s ways may challenge us, but they lead to abundant life, real freedom, and lasting joy.

Don’t just “put up” with God. Walk with Him daily, and you’ll discover that living with God is the very life you were created for.