Relationship Part 2

After last week’s post, I heard a few heartfelt questions:
“But HOW do I actually build intimacy with God?”
“What does it look like to spend time in His presence?”

I love that question because the truth is He wants to meet with us even more than we want to meet with Him. So here’s a look at how I personally make space for intimacy with our grace-filled Heavenly Father, the precious Son who is the spotless Lamb and Messiah and the sweet Holy Spirit who draws us near.

This isn’t a formula or a checklist. It’s simply how I set the table. It’s how I prepare and enter into a holy encounter. 

Make Time
Yes, I know. You’re busy, but we make time for what matters.
Block 1-2 hours in your schedule a few times each week for some good extended time with God. If you have to, put it on your calendar like you would a meeting.

Turn off Netflix.
Put your phone down.
Quit over scheduling yourself.
Get up early.
Stop making excuses. 

This matters to you or it doesn’t. There is NOTHING more important than this time. Trust me. If you do this regularly, you will be deeply know and be changed by God! He will meet you again and again.

Recognize, Reflect, Repent
Begin by remembering Who you’re coming to. Pause in reverence.

Worship the Father for His holiness and grace.
Praise Jesus for His sacrifice and resurrection.
Thank the Holy Spirit for making God’s heart known to you.

Let God’s kindness lead you to repentance. Ask the Spirit to show you anything that needs to be confessed whether intentional or unintentional sins, sins of omission (when you didn’t obey) and sins of attachment (when your heart clings to anything more than Him).

Confess it all. Lay it down and then ask the Holy Spirit to lead you through the rest of your time.

Clear Your Mind
If your thoughts are racing, journal them.
Write down every fear, every task, every conversation replaying in your head.
Do a full heart and mind dump before the Lord.

Sometimes, I need to talk through my mess with God before I can settle in stillness. That’s okay. Let your processing become part of your prayer.

Be Still
Silence isn’t empty. It’s sacred space. Stillness is hard at first especially in a noisy world, but even five minutes of quiet presence can shape your soul.

Turn your heart and attention fully toward God. Wait with expectation. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak. Let His nearness be enough, even if you don’t hear anything right away. This is how intimacy is built. 

Read
Open your Bible.
Whether it’s a reading plan, a devotional, or just one Psalm. Linger in the Word.
Go slow. Let it speak.
Notice any word or phrase that stirs something in you. Pause there. Ask, “God, what are You showing me about Yourself here?”

This isn’t about information. It’s about revelation. Let the Word reveal His heart to you.

Be Honest
Solitude, prayer and reading are much less about doing or saying the right thing than about being real.

Not hearing anything? Ask Him to open your ears.
Having trouble focusing? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remove distractions from your mind and heart.
Feeling frustrated? Tell God that and stay there with Him anyway.
Maybe you need to walk away for the day, but stay committed! 

Even if there are days you walk away feeling like nothing happened or you didn’t hear anything, don’t give up. Remember the promise in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” 

There’s no “right” way to spend time with God, but if you MAKE ROOM, if you quiet your soul and invite Him in, He will meet you, and Friends, that is absolutely incredible because He is the treasure. He is the prize.