30 October 2023 - A desired relationship with God

When we pray, the motive should not be to see what one can get from God through prayer. The motivation behind ones’ prayer life should be relationship with God, to know Him more.

Psalm 73:28(ESV) But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

James 4:8(ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

The secret to drawing near to God and having Him draw near to us is revealed clearly in the Bible: we draw near to God through faith in Christ who alone gives us access to Him.

Hebrews 4:14–16(ESV) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

God is impressed with our faith, not our feats. Where faith is lacking, He is not pleased with the quantity of our knowledge or the quality of our aesthetic events.

Hebrews 11:6(ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

John 16:33b(TPT) “For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”

Jesus had such an intimate relationship with God that he knew he was never alone. No matter the circumstance, no matter who was around him or how people felt about him or treated him, Jesus was at peace, confident, and able to overcome. This is what it is like to experience intimacy with God.

God empowers us through faith in His word. He inspires us with his protection and promises. It motivates us to do everything we told God we would do.

Psalm 56:10-12(TPT) I trust in the Lord. And I praise him! I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him! What harm could man do to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. My heart overflows with praise to God and for his promises. I will always trust in him. So I’m thanking you with all my heart, with gratitude for all you’ve done. I will do everything I’ve promised you, Lord.

I John 2:5(Voice) But if someone responds to and obeys His word, then God’s love has truly taken root and filled him. This is how we know we are in an intimate relationship with Him.