How to Have Intimacy With God
Ephesians 1:1-6
The Lord has called us into an intimate relationship with Him. The greatest tragedy for anyone, but especially for a churchgoer, is to die without knowing the Lord personally. But like any friendship, intimacy with God requires effort.
First, we must spend time with Him. Bible studies and church are good, but they don't count toward this requirement. We need to be alone with God, away from distractions and anything that might interfere with our communion. Susanna Wesley, mother to John, Charles, and seven other living children, had her quiet time on a kitchen stool with her apron pulled over her head. When was the last time you got alone with the Lord and asked Him to speak to your heart?
Second, intimacy with God depends on our ability to listen. Most of the time, He will speak through Scripture. That's why we need to give reading and meditation high priority.
Third, we must speak to God transparently and hold nothing back. A loving relationship is built upon honesty, where each person feels comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions while still trusting the other's love. Of course, God already knows what is in our heart, but we must learn to trust Him with our deepest secrets.
None of us would dare say that the God who saved us is not worthy of our attention. Yet many Christians act as if this were true. Intimacy with the Lord is a privilege; do not waste the opportunity to be close to Him.
Charles Stanley Institute