I had a vision a few years ago in the middle of worship. There were two mirrors facing each other with a telescope in the middle of them. I didn’t know it at the time but God was answering a question I had been asking for months…
How do I grow in intimacy with God?
It’s obvious that any relationship that lacks intimacy is heading in the wrong direction — it’s the foundational building block of love, trust, and confidence. Intimacy can be broken down as “into me you see”, meaning there is complete vulnerability and true connection. It’s easy to see why the enemy attacks our intimacy with God. He doesn’t want you to have a clear understanding of God’s love for you.
I didn’t immediately recognize this vision as an answer from God. I thought my imagination was running wild, it wouldn’t be the first time. Once it clicked though, I began praying for an interpretation and soon divine knowledge filled my mind.
The two mirrors facing each other represented God’s infinite nature, never ending. The telescope was the instrument used to grow in our depth with God. But to use it properly we need two things.
1. Magnification
Magnification doesn’t change the size of an object, it just puts it into a greater perspective. The same is true for our relationship with God. When we magnify God, we’re repositioning ourselves to see Him clearer.
When NASA launched the Hubble telescope in 1990 it had one purpose — to better understand space. Since it’s launch, scientist have had greater revelations in astronomy, astrophysics, and aerospace engineering. It has brought huge breakthroughs in the scientific community as well as giving the public a better glimpse at the universe around us.
Magnifying God brings revelations that do more than confirm theories, they radically change the way we experience life. In the midst of trials, magnifying God not only assures us of His presence but gives an endowment of hope for the future. When intimacy with God matures to an everyday practice, it positions us to hear Him clearly and live a life sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Such revelations can’t be received by listening to a podcast or even surrounding yourself with good company. They can only be found through intimacy with God. Practically speaking one of the best ways to engage with God intimately is by turning your affections to Him in worship.
Worship allows us to see God clearly and ultimately gain peace and confidence for whatever situations life brings our way. This shouldn’t be exclusive to Sundays — it’s needed everyday. Though it takes discipline, spending a few minutes in worship before your day begins will set a pace for you to be used by God.
Many would say they don’t have time but a true mark of maturity is magnifying God when you don’t feel like it or it seems unnecessary.
2. Focus
I find that one of the most difficult and unaddressed issues keeping us from intimacy with God is our focus. Focus can’t be measured by the ushers during service, however no one can deny how focusing on Him ushers in His presence. We make great efforts to go to church, pray, and read our Bibles but where are our minds in such moments? I know I find myself guilty of distraction. When it comes to intimacy with God distraction equals distortion.
It’s impossible to have true connection with God if we’re not actively focusing on God. Prayer is not a repetition of pious sounding words, it’s a heartfelt conversation with the creator of the universe.
While many of us have great intentions about connecting with God, focus is where the rubber meets the road. It’s easy to get sidetracked while causally praying, but when has intimacy ever been causal? There is a hidden price to a healthy relationship. It’s time that we start valuing our time with the creator and giving Him our full attention and affection.
When we embrace this practice you’ll find that your time with God is more fruitful and feels less forced. That worship is something to be enjoyed rather than endured. And that the Bible is alive rather than a chore.
I want to encourage you to pursue intimacy with God. The benefits far outweigh the cost.
What produces intimacy with God in your life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
