Why is a Relationship with God Important?

At its core, a personal relationship with God provides us intimacy with our Creator, the source of truth, love and meaning. But what specifically does this look like, and why does it matter? Let’s explore some key reasons.

“This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

As Jesus himself prayed to the Father, our relationship with God is tied to the very meaning of life itself. Through Christ, we can know God personally and find eternal life.

God Desires Relationship

Most fundamentally, as Christians, we should seek relationship with God because He actively desires it. Throughout Scripture, God pursues us and invites us into an intimate Father-child bond.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)

The God of the universe loves us immeasurably and offers relationship freely through Christ.

• God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for us. (John 3:16)
• He first loved us and desires our love in return. (1 John 4:19)
• Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, ready for relationship whenever we open to Him. (Revelation 3:20)

As our loving Father, God wants nothing more than for us to know Him deeply. This relationship is a freely offered gift.

For Our Benefit

Not only does God desire relationship with us, but that relationship is immensely beneficial for our lives. Walking closely with God allows us to:

• Find meaning and purpose – A relationship with our divine Creator gives us a sense of meaning in life and helps us understand our unique purpose. As we follow Him, we find the profound significance of our existence. (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10)
• Experience freedom from sin – God’s power frees us from the burden of sin when we draw close to Him. We’re empowered to live righteously. (Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 5:16)
• Receive comfort and peace – God’s presence gives us comfort and peace in difficult times. We can cast our cares on Him. (Psalm 94:19; Philippians 4:6-7)
• Gain wisdom and guidance – Through prayer and studying Scripture, God grants wisdom for decisions and guides our paths. (James 1:5; Psalm 32:8)

Living in intimate relationship with our Creator fundamentally transforms and improves our lives. We were designed for this bond.

Out of Love and Obedience

Pursuing an intimate walk with God is also a natural outflow of our love for Him and desire to live in obedience.

The two greatest commandments are to love God fully and to love others. (Matthew 22:36-40). We cannot love God to the deepest degree without seeking Him personally and cultivating closeness.

Likewise, we are called to obey God’s commands and precepts. But following His guidance requires drawing near, listening to His voice, understanding His heart.

As Jesus said:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)

Loving and obeying God compels us to cherish a relationship where we can know Him intimately through the Spirit. This closeness fuels deeper love and obedience.

To Become More Christ-like

As we seek closeness with God, He transforms us to become more like Jesus. This Christ-likeness is the ultimate goal of spiritual growth.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Through the Holy Spirit, God molds our character to align with Christ’s virtues – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). The more we know Him, the more we embody these traits.

As Romans 8:29 tells us, God predestined us “to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Intimacy with God is the pathway to growing in Christ-likeness. Staying connected to the Vine (John 15:4-5) allows His life to flow through us.

Closeness with God bears the fruit of transformation. There is no greater goal than reflecting God’s image, growing in the grace and truth found in Jesus alone.

How to Build a Relationship with God

Seeking closeness with God is a lifelong journey. Here are some key ways we can nurture a vibrant, intimate relationship:

• Through Christ – Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). As our mediator, He provides access to intimate relationship with God. (1 Timothy 2:5)
• Prayer – Regular, honest prayer nurtures our bond and allows us to communicate with God. We can pour out our hearts and listen for His voice. (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Bible Study – Immersing ourselves in Scripture reveals God’s heart and draws us closer to Him. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Fellowship – Christian community provides encouragement and accountability in our walk with God. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Following God’s Leading – Yielding to the Spirit’s guidance deepens our trust and intimacy with God as we walk in faith. (Romans 8:14)

The ultimate key is depending on the Spirit’s empowerment to grow relationship with the Father through fixing our eyes on the Son, Jesus Christ. It’s both simpler and more profound than we imagine.

Draw Near to God

Cultivating an intimate relationship with God is the most important endeavor we can pursue. He offers us abundant life, meaning, purpose, freedom, wisdom and more through Christ.

While it requires commitment and grace, the effort pales in comparison to the blessings of knowing our Creator deeply. There is no greater relationship.

If you have yet to start this journey, don’t delay. You have a Father who loves you dearly and wants you to experience His presence. Take the first step and draw near to Him today.

If your relationship has grown cold, remember God stands ready to meet you right where you are. Turn your heart back to Him, and He will run to meet you. His arms are open wide.

For those seeking God wholeheartedly, keep persevering. Set your gaze on Jesus and walk in the Spirit’s power. The best is yet to come.

Let us say along with King David, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2) May each of us thirst for deeper intimacy with Him all the days of our lives.

Nurturing Relationship with God

Growing in intimacy with God is a process requiring both grace and active engagement. Here are some practical next steps to cultivate your relationship with Him:

• Set aside regular quiet time to read Scripture and pray. Start with 5-10 minutes if needed and increase as able.
• Join a small group Bible study or fellowship group for encouragement and accountability.
• Memorize key Scripture verses about God’s love and character. Meditate on them throughout your day.
• Begin a gratitude journal listing things you’re thankful for and how you see God at work.
• Take a walk while listening to worship music and talking with God.
• Serve others – this strengthens your bond with Christ.
• Examine any sins or idols hindering your closeness with God. Confess and surrender them to Him.
• Make time for silence and solitude to listen to God’s voice.

He has so much love and life to share with those who earnestly seek Him. Experience the blessing of deepening your relationship with God each new day.

Seeking His Face

At the heart of it all, cultivating a close relationship with God comes down to seeking His face. It’s about pursuing Him with a sincerity and longing that cries out:

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2)

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

When we seek God’s face with our whole hearts, holding nothing back, He promises we will find Him.

So let this be our prayer today and every day:

“Father, show me Your glory. Capture my heart with the beauty of who You are. Fill me with such longing for You that nothing else satisfies. Help me pursue You above all else. Let me know You deeply. Reveal Your love, mercy and grace to me in new ways. Draw me close as I seek Your face.”

If this is the cry of your heart, you can be assured God hears you. He has already come running to meet you. The greatest relationship you will ever know awaits. Draw near to Him today.

Starting Today

If you’ve read this far, it’s likely because you feel drawn to deepen your relationship with God.

So let me ask: What’s one step you can take today to draw nearer to Him?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Set a reminder to pause and pray at set times today. Tell God you want to know Him more.
• Read a psalm and notice how David related to God. Journal or pray about it after.
• Listen to a worship song with lyrics that touch your heart. Sing along if you’d like!
• Look up a new verse on God’s character to meditate on today. Let it encourage you.
• Write down 1-2 ways you’d like to grow closer to God this week. Pick one to start.
• Tell a Christian friend you want to grow in your relationship with God. Ask them to pray for you and check in.

Don’t overcomplicate this. Just take one small step to intentionally seek God today. Open your heart to Him. You’ll be amazed at how He meets you!

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If you haven’t, Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

He’s waiting with open arms of love. Walking with Christ daily is the path to life’s greatest adventure. Begin your journey today!