Intimacy with God
Why Being with God Matters More Than Doing for God
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37)
You were created for closeness with God. Not for performance, not for perfection—but for relationship. Jesus didn’t just invite us to believe certain things; He invited us to follow, abide, and remain with Him. Intimacy with God is the first and most vital relationship because everything else flows from it.
The Biblical Foundation
Scripture consistently calls us into an intimate relationship with God:
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8)
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “‘ Abba, Father.'” (Romans 8:15)
Jesus himself modeled this intimacy: “‘Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35)
Mile Markers for Growing Intimacy
Early Intimacy: You set aside regular time to be with God, even if it feels awkward. You’re learning to pray conversationally and beginning to notice God’s presence in everyday moments.
Developing Intimacy: As you grow in intimacy with God, prayer becomes more about listening than talking, and Scripture reading shifts from gathering information to experiencing transformation. You have spiritual practices that fit your personality.
Maturing Intimacy: Here, your relationship with God naturally influences major decisions. You experience God’s presence even in difficult seasons and help others discover their rhythms too.
Practical Spiritual Rhythms
Daily Practices:
- Breath Prayer: Whisper “Oh Lord, show me your way” throughout your day
- Daily Examen: End your day asking, “Where did I notice God today?”
- Scripture as Dialogue: Read a short Psalm and respond to God honestly
Weekly Practices:
- Sabbath Rest: Protect time to be with God without an agenda
- Worship: Engage with music, nature, or art that draws you to God
- Solitude: Spend intentional time alone with God away from distractions
Overcoming Common Obstacles
“I don’t feel anything”: Intimacy isn’t dependent on feelings. Show up consistently and trust that God is present with you.
“I don’t have time”: Start with five minutes.
Reflection Questions
- Do you feel more like a servant trying to please God or a child who He already loves?
- What spiritual rhythm helps you feel most connected to God?
- When do you most clearly sense God’s presence in your life?