How to Develop an Intimate Relationship with God
1) Read your Bible daily
Developing an intimate relationship with God starts with reading your Bible daily. As Joshua 1:8 reminds us, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night,”.
Reading the Bible unlocks numerous benefits, such as understanding God's character and receiving guidance for living a fulfilling life. While our daily schedule might not always allow us long hours to study the Bible, be sure to dedicate some time in the Word each day.
God equates His word to the food we eat, we need it to survive. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 4:4, stating, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
2) Seek His heart and not His hand
To develop an intimate relationship with God, it is essential to seek His heart rather than His hand. Matthew 6:33 encourages us with these words: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This principle is beautifully illustrated in 1 Kings chapter 3, where God blessed Solomon abundantly not because he prayed for wealth or riches, but because he asked for wisdom.
God desires to bless us with material things, but His greater wish is for us to pursue His wisdom and His heart above all else. When we seek to understand His will and His way, we align ourselves with His purpose and open the door to receiving His blessings in every aspect of our lives.
3) Confess your sins to God
Confessing our sins to God is a vital step in developing an intimate relationship with Him. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” While God is all-knowing and fully aware of our past, present, and future sins, He is pleased when we come to Him with a contrite heart, acknowledging our wrongdoings.
Consider how you feel when someone gives you a vague, half-hearted apology compared to when they sincerely express their remorse and take full responsibility for their actions. A sincere apology is more likely to be accepted because it demonstrates genuine repentance. Similarly, God desires us to come to Him with sincere and heartfelt confessions, showing true remorse and taking responsibility for our actions. This act of genuine confession strengthens our relationship with God, as it reflects our desire to align our hearts with His.
4) Be open and honest with Him
Being open and honest with God is another way to develop an intimate relationship with Him. Not only does God desire us to confess our sins, but He also wants us to be transparent about our feelings. Whenever I read the book Psalms, I relate to David so much because the way David talks to God mirrors the way I talk to God. I lay everything out on the table—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m completely vulnerable with God because I trust Him with my heart and my feelings.
He is our Father and our Friend, longing for us to come to Him first. Before turning to family, friends, or even social media, we should run to God. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper, more trusting relationship with Him, knowing that He is always there to listen, comfort, and guide us.
5) Submit to Him by laying down your desires
To grow closer to God, we must make it a habit of laying down our own desires and submitting to His will. Our ways and God's ways cannot coexist because they often oppose each other. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
When we lay down our desires, we shouldn’t view it as a loss but as a gain. By surrendering our will to God, we open ourselves to receiving His higher and better plans for our lives. This act of submission deepens our relationship with God.
6) Learn to forgive others
Lastly, learning to forgive others is a critical component of developing an intimate relationship with God. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Jesus also emphasizes this in Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” If you struggle with forgiving others ask God to help you extend grace and mercy.
Remember, forgiveness is not about how you feel; it is an action. Whenever you need to forgive someone, declare, “I forgive them, I release them, they owe me nothing,” (Dr. Faith Wokoma). Repeat this as many times as necessary until forgiveness takes root in your heart.
In conclusion, developing an intimate relationship with God requires daily dedication and intentional actions. Each of these steps invites God's presence into your life and aligns your heart with His. Remember, intimacy with God is a journey that involves continuous growth and commitment. As you faithfully pursue Him, you will experience His love, guidance, and transformative power in every aspect of your life.