Having a personal relationship with God means developing an intimate connection with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves communication, trust, and love as we would with a close friend. Though God is infinite and all-powerful, He desires for us to know Him personally.
Knowing God Personally Begins with Faith in Christ
A relationship with God only comes through trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Bible says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). When we acknowledge our sinfulness, repent, and believe that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross, we receive forgiveness and new spiritual life. God’s Spirit comes to live within us, connecting us intimately with God.
Without faith in Christ, we remain spiritually dead and separated from God by our sins. But when we are born again by the Spirit, we become God’s children and enter into a new relationship with Him. Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 ESV). There is no other way to personally know the Creator.
Prayer and Bible Reading Grow Our Relationship
Once we belong to Christ, our connection to God grows as we spend time communicating with Him in prayer and studying the Bible. Prayer involves speaking personally to God – praising Him, thanking Him, confessing sins, asking for help, and seeking guidance. Through Christ, we can approach God with confidence and transparency. The Holy Spirit prompts us to pray and helps us in prayer.
Regularly reading and meditating on the Bible exposes our minds to God’s truth and allows Him to speak to us. The Bible says “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV). As we understand God’s Word, our faith increases and we draw closer to Him. The Holy Spirit illuminates the meaning and application of Scripture in our lives.
Consistent prayer and Bible intake nurtures an intimate connection with God. He rewards those who earnestly seek Him this way.
Obedience and Trust Deepen the Relationship
Our walk with God grows through obedience and trust in His perfect will. As we follow where God leads us in His Word and submit to His authority, we experience the blessings of an aligned life. Though obedience is difficult, God gives us strength and bears good fruit through it. Our relationship stays strong when we honor God’s commands and principles.
Trusting God also develops intimacy with Him. As we bring our needs and burdens to Him in prayer, relying on His power and wisdom rather than our own, our faith grows. We better understand His faithful, loving character. Even through suffering, we can trust God’s sovereign plan to ultimately bless us. As we walk by faith and not by sight, God rewards our trust and draws us closer.
God Desires a Personal, Loving Relationship
The Bible describes the Christian’s connection with God in familial and romantic terms that convey deep intimacy. Christians are called children of God and even the bride of Christ. God is portrayed as a faithful Father and loving Husband who cherishes close fellowship with His people.
Jesus said “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20 ESV). Though omnipresent, God longs for intimate communion with each individual who trusts in Him. He demonstrates His unconditional love by sacrificing His own Son to save us and adopt us.
God designed us for relationship with Himself. Our souls find rest only when we know God intimately, as He fully knows us. His love surpasses any human relationship. God promises “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV). Through Christ, we receive the priceless gift of personal fellowship with the almighty Creator of the universe.
Evidence of a Relationship with God
How do we know if someone genuinely has a personal relationship with God? Biblically, there should be outward evidence of an inner connection with Christ. While only God fully knows a person’s heart, key signs include:
– Ongoing repentance from sin and desire to obey God
– Love for God’s Word and time set aside to read Scripture
– Active prayer life characterized by listening to and talking with God
– Desire for Christian fellowship and service in a Biblical church
– Compassion for the lost and making disciples
– Bearing spiritual fruit such as love, joy, peace, and kindness
– Experiencing God’s discipline with a repentant, humble attitude
– Discerning God’s voice and seeking to know His will
– Thankfulness and trust in God during trials
– Contentment in Christ alone for meaning and salvation
These attitudes and behaviors give evidence to a saving, intimate walk with God through faith in Jesus. They distinguish genuine Christians from those who merely profess faith without true relationship. Examining our lives helps ensure we are actively cultivating closeness with God.
Barriers That Can Hinder a Close Relationship with God
Many obstacles potentially hamper a vital, intimate connection with God. Common barriers include:
Unconfessed Sin: When we harbor sins without repentance, this grieves the Holy Spirit and quenches our fellowship with God. But when we confess our sins, God is quick to forgive us and restore intimacy (1 John 1:9).
Worldly Influences: Input from worldly entertainment, friends, or culture can distract us from walking closely with God and distort a biblical worldview. We must filter influences through Scripture.
Busyness and Neglecting Time with God: With too many priorities competing for our time, it’s easy to neglect regular prayer and Bible reading. But we must cherish our relationship with God as primary.
Doubts and Misconceptions About God: Wrong ideas about God being harsh, distant or uncaring can hinder meaningful connection with Him. But Scripture reveals God’s loving, gracious character.
Rebellion and Unwillingness to Obey: If we insist on going our own way rather than submit to God’s commands, we distance ourselves from close fellowship with Him. Surrendering our will is key.
Bitterness and Unforgiveness: Holding grudges or refusing to reconcile with others blocks our relationship with God. He insists we forgive others as He forgave us.
Coveting Worldly Things: Craving material possessions, success or pleasures can distract us from loving and serving God wholeheartedly. He alone can satisfy our souls.
Self-Reliance Rather than God-Reliance: When we trust in our abilities more than God’s wisdom and power, we operate independently from Him. We must acknowledge our need for Him.
God can overcome any of these barriers as we yield control of our lives to Him, spend focused time in His Word and prayer, and avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s work in us. There is no greater joy than pursuing an intimate walk with Christ.
Cultivating Dynamic, Lifelong Relationship with God
Just like human friendships, a relationship with God requires intentional cultivation on our part, enabled by His grace. Consider these tips for nurturing lifelong intimacy with God:
– Start each day inviting God’s presence and depending on Him through prayer.
– Have a consistent Bible reading plan to hear from God daily.
– Schedule extended times of unhurried prayer using Scripture as a guide.
– Attend church regularly for worship, biblical teaching, service, and fellowship.
– Limit worldly entertainment and social media that distract spiritually.
– Journal to process emotional struggles, study Scriptures, and record prayers.
– Sing, listen to, and meditate on worship songs with rich lyrics.
– Share your spiritual journey and God’s work in your life with other believers.
– Take time away for spiritual retreats in fellowship with God.
– Ask God to reveal any habits or attitudes hindering your walk with Him.
– Thank God frequently for His presence and work in your circumstances.
– Serve others, because closeness with God often flows out of helping others.
– Deal with doubts, hurts or confusions promptly to keep your heart clear.
– Make life decisions prayerfully, seeking godly wisdom and Scriptural guidance.
– When you fail, have a repentant heart and depend on God’s grace to help you change.
As we make pursuing God our supreme priority, He promises to draw near to us (James 4:8). There is no greater adventure than deepening an intimate walk with Christ day by day.
Reflection Questions
1. Do I have a genuinely personal relationship with God through faith in Christ according to what Scripture teaches?
2. What specific aspects of my relationship with God need growth? How can I improve in those areas?
3. What habits or priorities tend to distract me or pull me from intimacy with God? What needs to change?
4. Do my spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study fuel a close walk with God or feel dry and duty-driven? How can I enrich them?
5. How can I rely more fully on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to unveil God’s intimate presence in my everyday life?
6. What Christian friendships might help me continue pursuing deeper connection with God?
7. Are there any sins or attitudes like bitterness that I need to confess and entrust to Christ today to restore fellowship with God?
8. Am I actively listening to God in prayer about unsettled decisions or questions in my life right now?
9. Do I daily remember God’s loving promises and presence with me even in difficult trials?
10. What one change can I make this week to enjoy closer communion with Christ?