Cultivating Intimacy with God

The deep desire to grow closer in relationship to God and to know Him better is the unashamed pursuit of many believers. We live in an undeniable paradox in which we can’t know everything there is to know about our uncreated God, but we pursue Him, understanding that He enjoys making Himself known to His creation (John 3:16).

God created us with a longing for the pleasure of being fascinated and filled with marvel and wonder. We are fascinated most when we are fascinated by revelation of Jesus. We cannot repent of our longing for fascination; it is a significant part of our creative design.

We were designed by our Creator to pursue Him and worship Him fully. Even when we feel that we are seeking Him wholeheartedly, we find the strength of our pursuit enhanced in unstable or troubling times.

Fortunately, the Lord has given us a way to grow in intimacy with Him through His Spirit and His Word.

In a world that seems to grow more chaotic by the day, the truth of God’s character and His consistent nature helps stabilize us in the midst of what feels like uncertainty. Growth in intimacy roots and grounds us in His love. We are able to cling to the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

God Almighty actually invites us to come close to Him; He desires to be our place of stability and rest. He is a Father who sent His Son, who then sent the very Spirit of God to reside within His followers, a God who sees and knows our weakness, and yet still invites us to come close to Him.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

In the midst of life’s storms, He is our refuge and strong tower where we can find safety. He is stable, our rock and our foundation. Whether it’s financial pressures, relational heartache, loved ones dealing with chronic pain or an incurable disease, or the nagging of anxiety, fear, and worry, the Lord reminds us throughout His Word that He is our Deliverer who rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Throughout the Word, we are reminded of who He is, who we are in Him, His power and authority, and His perfect leadership.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul . . . Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:1–4)

As we read the Scripture, we can find confidence in the unchanging nature of our God. As we meditate on Scripture, we receive revelation of the character of God, who is reigning and will reign and rule for all eternity.

We learn from this King of glory that He is “strong and . . . mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8). He is the One who willingly calls Himself our strength, our defense, our refuge, and our friend—the One who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

The truth of the Word of God, about God, is one of the most effective ways to draw closer to God and combat fear, uncertainty, trouble, and accusation from the enemy.

Because Scriptures are centered on the truth of God as the Father, Son, and Spirit, they help increase our faith, renew our minds, and steady our souls. Please share with us the Scriptures about God’s nature that are most helpful in drawing you closer to the Him, particularly during challenging times.

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)