Intimacy with the Father

In Genesis we read that we are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). That means we aren’t some random creation with no bearing or direction. We didn’t mutate from algae, we didn’t evolve from primates, and we don’t exist by chance. While this may fly in the face of some scientists’ beliefs, it doesn’t make it any less true. We were created intentionally, with great care and detail, by our Creator. And through that intention and detail, we have a very specific purpose: to be reflections of our heavenly Father and to glorify Him in every area of our lives. 

When we begin to talk about things like this, the first question almost everyone asks is the same: how is that even possible? 

The answer seems simple on the surface—we must have a deep and intimate relationship with God. I say “on the surface” because it’s easy enough to understand that in order to become like someone and honor them, we have to know them. And in order to know them, we have to spend time with them. But this leads us to a deeper question: how do we have a relationship with God when we can’t see Him, touch Him, or hear Him? 

That’s a reasonable question. To answer it, we first have to understand this truth: God is supernatural. He exists outside of time, dwells in eternity, and is not confined to our natural realm. Because of that, we can’t expect to establish and cultivate a relationship with Him through natural understanding alone. In fact, it goes against much of what we understand naturally. 

The key is understanding that God is a Spirit being. And because we are made in His image and likeness, we are spirit beings as well. We live in a body, we have a soul (mind, will, and emotions), and we have a spirit. It is through our spirit that we have a relationship with our heavenly Father. 

So how does that work? Glad you asked. 

When Jesus died, He fully paid the price for our sins. He removed the penalty of death and made it possible for us to be in right standing with God through the blood He shed on Calvary. But that wasn’t only so we could one day go to heaven. It was to wash and cleanse us from our sinful nature so that God could place His Spirit within us—the temple made without human hands. 

When His Spirit comes to live inside of us, He communes with our spirit. He lives with us and shares life with us. Through that relationship, we are able to hear His voice, feel His presence, and follow His leading. Once we understand this, we begin to see how important it is to make time for Him. 

Any healthy, vibrant relationship exists because people intentionally spend time together. They get to know one another, listen to each other, and learn what matters to the other person. Where do you think we learned that from? From the very One who longs to have a deep and intimate relationship with His children. That is how we grow and develop our relationship with the Lord. 

We make time for Him. We prioritize Him above everything else by never losing sight of what He has done for us—the price He paid to ransom us from sin and death, and the truth that He created us to share His love. While there are foundational similarities in all of our relationships with God (prayer, reading Scripture, gathering together to worship Him), it will look different for each of us. Some may spend time with Him in the morning, others in the evening. Some may read more and pray less, while others pray more and read less. The point is that God meets each person where they are and works in them according to His purpose. 

It is not our place to judge or compare. If someone is seeking the Lord and spending time with Him in order to grow in Him, that is between them and God. 

This brings us to the heart of this article—and the reason for laying such a strong foundation on what an intimate relationship with God looks like and why it matters. That relationship keeps the flame of His presence inside us burning white hot. It makes lukewarm living impossible and places us exactly where He desires us to be: on the altar, allowing Him to shape us more and more into the likeness of Christ so we can live out His plans for our lives. 

This is the epitome of worship, and it is why we were created. 

We were not made for the empty pleasures and fleeting desires of this world. We were made to dwell in the deep places of God—to know Him, love Him, and share that love with those who do not yet know Him. 

If you are reading this, you are alive for a purpose. That purpose is to know Him, love Him, and share the Good News and His love with others. It will look different for each of us, and only God can reveal what that looks like in our own lives. So let today be the day you decide in your heart to draw closer to your heavenly Father in a deeper way—and to continue walking with Him all your days. 

Be blessed!