This Sunday we will tackle the question “What is the Trinity?” A part of the answer is that the Three Persons of the One Divine Being are so intimately connected that we cannot get one without the other.
In John 14:9, Jesus says, “If you’ve seen me you have seen the Father.”
In John 10:30, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.”
Intimate (i.e., inseparable) personal relationship being at the heart of the nature of God means that he too calls us to a life of intimacy with him.
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”
In John 15:4–5, Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, niters can you, unless you abide in me.
Intimacy with God is the heartbeat of the Christian life. It’s more than just attending church services or following religious practices; it is about cultivating a close, personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. This intimacy is what God desires for each of us—He longs for us to know Him deeply, love Him fully, and trust Him completely. Scripture overflows with reminders of God’s desire for this closeness with His people, inviting us into an ongoing, transformative relationship.
1. We Were Created for Intimacy with God
From the very beginning, God designed us for a relationship with Him. In Genesis 1:26-27, God created humanity in His image and gave them the unique capacity to relate to Him in ways no other part of creation could. God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a symbol of the intimate communion they enjoyed with Him (Genesis 3:8). However, when sin entered the world, that intimacy was broken, and humanity was separated from God.
Despite this separation, God’s ultimate desire has always been to restore that intimate relationship. He accomplished this through Jesus Christ, who came to reconcile us to the Father. As Paul writes, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but invited back into the deep fellowship for which we were created.
2. Intimacy with God Requires Pursuit
While intimacy with God is offered freely through Christ, it requires intentional pursuit. James 4:8 encourages us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” This indicates that growing closer to God is an active process, one that involves seeking Him through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
One of the most powerful ways to pursue intimacy with God is through prayer. Prayer is not just a way to present requests to God, but it is a means of developing a personal connection with Him. Jesus modeled this in His own life, often retreating to quiet places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). The deeper we go in prayer, the more we experience God’s heart, His will, and His presence in our lives.
Another way to grow in intimacy with God is through meditating on His Word. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the one who delights in God’s law, meditating on it day and night, as “like a tree planted by streams of water.” The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we learn about God’s character, promises, and plans, drawing us closer to Him.
3. The Fruit of Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God transforms every area of our lives. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Our lives become fruitful when we abide in Christ, producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit is the natural outflow of a life deeply connected to God.
Furthermore, intimacy with God provides peace and security. Psalm 91:1 reminds us that, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” When we cultivate a close relationship with God, we experience the comfort and protection that comes from being under His care, even in difficult times.
Intimacy with God is the foundation of a vibrant Christian life. It is what we were created for, and it is the key to experiencing the fullness of God’s love, guidance, and power. As we intentionally pursue God through prayer, Scripture, and worship, we draw closer to Him and experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. Let us seek to know God deeply, walking closely with Him every day.
