Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Debbie Alsdorf's new book, Deeper: Living in the Reality of God’s Love, (Revell, 2008).

You can say all the right things, do all the right things, and yet still not experience the deep relationship God wants you to have with Him. You can appear to have the perfect Christian life, but not be connecting much with God.

When you learn to live in the reality of God’s love, however, you can go deeper in your relationship with Him than you’d ever imagined. Here’s how:

Look beyond what you can see to a deeper reality. Instead of basing your decisions just on your current circumstances, make choices that reflect the reality that God loves you and wants the best for you. Make a habit of seeking His guidance and living according to His priorities. Remember that you were meant to live for much more than yourself. Pursue God’s purposes for your life with passion.

Define yourself accurately. What defines you will eventually drive you through life, compelling you to make certain choices and go in a particular direction. So, to head in the right direction, get rid of wrong definitions of yourself: ones that are based on what you do or don’t accomplish, the opinions of others, or by self-defeating lies you tell yourself. Reject cultural pressure to define yourself based on your appearance, accomplishments, or possessions – which will always leave you feeling that you’re not good enough. Instead, seek to learn the truth about who you are, what passions you have, and what purposes you should be living for. Embrace your true identity through Jesus as God’s beloved child. Know that, from God’s perspective, you have incredible value. Your value has been secured by Jesus and isn’t dependent on your abilities or whether or not other people accept you.

Come out of hiding. God knows everything about you – including all your sins and weaknesses – and loves you anyway. Decide to stop trying to control your life and withholding your trust from God. Commit every part of your life to Him so you can experience positive transformation and freedom.

Focus on who you are rather than what you do. The many roles you fill in life (as a spouse, parent, friend, employee, volunteer, etc.), while important, don’t represent who you are as a person. Instead of basing your identity on roles that can change, base it on God’s love for you, which will never change. Place your confidence in who you are (someone created by God) and whose you are (someone who belongs to God).