Developing Intimacy with God.

"Building a Deeper Connection: How My Childhood Zeal for God Shaped My Intimacy with Him" 

Growing up as a Redeemer was both fun and impactful.

As a child, there were days when what I looked forward to most while going to church were the biscuits and juice in the big jar that the children’s teachers would share. I also enjoyed seeing my friends and listening to Bible stories.

Growing up under the tutelage of my children’s teachers, there was one Bible passage that became almost like a national anthem: John 2:17 (KJV): "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." It was often written in the children’s Sunday school manual, and my mom made it a prerequisite for all of us to have a zeal and attend Sunday school.

Here’s the thing: every Sunday morning, we would head to Sunday school with our zeal (Sunday school manual), This was seen as a routine but, unconsciously it was building a culture and resistance in us that we would later come to realize as we grew older. I remember during one of the teen camps, there was a worship session where the minister was singing, and for a few seconds, I dozed off and saw a bright light shine towards me. That was the first time I spoke in tongues. 

This consciousness, which I have grown up with, has really helped me as an adult. There are times when I just jump up from bed, rush to the shower, and then remember, “Oh, I haven’t prayed this morning!” 

How often do we have quiet time with the Lord? Do we consider it old-fashioned? How often do we seek God's face concerning our day? How often do we pray?

Intimacy with God is a believer's key to daily revival from the Lord. To grow in intimacy with Him, we must yearn and be eager to know Him. Only then can we discern His thoughts and plans for us in every season.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God is ready to share His plans with us, but we can only truly understand them when we have an intimate relationship with Him and grow in the knowledge of His ways.

To grow in intimacy with Him, here are some strategies:

1. Create and endeavor to have a quiet time.
   This is a time you set aside to worship and commune with the Lord. It is a moment to seek His face and study His Word. This should be done consciously. Start small — every little step towards the Lord matters. It doesn’t have to be long; you can start with just 20 minutes and gradually grow. It's funny because when you start worshipping, reading the Word, and praying, you’ll realize you can spend 40 minutes or more. With time, it gets easier.

2. Learn to meditate on God’s Word.
   We should strive to meditate on the Scriptures we read, putting our name in the verses. By doing this, we develop a deeper Holy Spirit consciousness, realizing that these words are God’s letters to us. Having quiet time, especially in the morning, is like inviting the Lord into our day. Meditating on God’s Word helps us understand the good plans He has for us and prepares us for what He is doing and what is ahead. 

3. Learn to discern the voice of the Lord among many voices.
   When I was learning to discern God's voice, I often said, “Lord, speak to me in a way I would understand.” You can try this too. God speaks to us through the Word, the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and even through the right people.

4. Learn to surrender and trust the Lord completely.
   Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whos
   e hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” (NKJV) When we surrender to God’s control, He takes the wheel and leads us toward fulfillment.

5. Pray.
   Cultivate the habit of praying, in times of little, many, and plenty. Through prayer and thanksgiving, make your supplications and worries known to the Lord.
   Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (NKJV)

The way we get into an airplane, believing that the pilot won’t hit a rock, crash, or burn, is how God wants us to trust Him. It’s never too late to start that journey.