In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to let our relationship with God slip into the background. We may attend church, read a quick devotional, or say a hurried prayer, but true intimacy with God—deep, abiding fellowship—requires more than fleeting moments. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls us to prioritize intimacy with God in every aspect of our lives, making His Word central to our hearts and homes.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 King James Version
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
This passage is not about rigidly following rules or checking spiritual boxes. It’s an invitation to a relationship—a call to know God deeply and allow His love to transform us from within. When Moses instructed the Israelites to “impress” God’s commandments on their children and discuss them throughout the day, he described a lifestyle of intimacy where God’s presence permeates every moment.
What Does Intimacy with God Look Like?
Intimacy with God is not reserved for pastors, theologians, or “super Christians.” It’s available to everyone who seeks Him wholeheartedly. It’s about walking through life with an awareness of His presence, talking to Him as you would a trusted friend, and allowing His Word to shape your thoughts and actions.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, we are called to “pray without ceasing.” This doesn’t mean we must always be on our knees; rather, it’s an invitation to ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. Whether you’re cooking dinner, commuting to work, or lying awake at night, you can share your heart with Him—your joys, fears, questions, and gratitude. Over time, this practice becomes second nature, drawing you closer to Him in ways you never imagined.
The Overflow of Intimacy
When we prioritize intimacy with God, it changes us—and those around us. Deuteronomy 6:7 emphasizes teaching God’s Word to the next generation. But this teaching isn’t merely academic; it’s relational. Children (and others in our lives) learn most effectively by observing how we live. When they see us seeking God in prayer, studying His Word with passion, and relying on Him in difficult times, they witness faith in action.
For parents, this means creating an environment where conversations about God are natural and frequent—at the dinner table, during car rides, or before bedtime. For others, it might mean mentoring a younger believer or simply sharing how God has been faithful in your life. The goal is not perfection but authenticity—letting others see how your relationship with God shapes your daily decisions and interactions.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Intimacy
If intimacy with God feels elusive or overwhelming, start small. Here are some practical steps:
- Set Aside Time Daily: Schedule uninterrupted time with God each day. This could be early in the morning before the world wakes up or during a quiet moment in the evening.
- Begin with Worship: Start your time with praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4). Worship shifts your focus from yourself to God and prepares your heart to hear from Him.
- Engage with Scripture: Approach the Bible not as a textbook but as a love letter from God. Personalize verses by inserting your name into them and meditating on their meaning for your life.
- Journal Your Prayers: Writing down your prayers can help you process your thoughts and recognize how God is working in your life over time.
- Practice Gratitude: Throughout the day, look for “love gifts” from God—small blessings that remind you of His care—and thank Him for them.
- Listen for His Voice: Spend time in silence after praying or reading Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and guide your steps.
Barriers to Intimacy
Many things can hinder our intimacy with God—busyness, distractions, unconfessed sin, or even misconceptions about who He is. Sometimes we view God as distant or disapproving rather than as a loving Father who delights in spending time with us. To overcome these barriers:
- Be intentional about creating space for God in your schedule.
- Confess anything that weighs on your conscience and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Ask Him to reveal Himself more clearly through His Word and Spirit.
Remember that intimacy is not about striving but abiding (John 15:4). It’s resting in the truth that He loves you unconditionally and desires fellowship with you more than anything else.
The Transformative Power of Intimacy
When we prioritize intimacy with God above all else, we experience profound transformation. Our hearts become aligned with His will; our relationships are infused with grace; our lives overflow with purpose. As Psalm 63:1 says, “You, God, are my God; earnestly I seek You. I thirst for You; my whole being longs for You.”
This closeness equips us to face life’s challenges with peace and confidence. It reminds us that we’re never alone—that the Creator of the universe walks beside us every step of the way.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Family: A Sacred Reflection of God’s Love
Quote of the Day: “The renewal you desire is in the life change you need”
A Prayer for Today
Father God, thank You for inviting us into an intimate relationship with You. Help us prioritize time in Your presence above all else. Teach us how to walk closely with You each day and impress Your truth on those around us through love and authenticity. May our lives reflect Your glory as we draw near to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalms 58 King James Version
1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?
2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.
3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.
6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.
7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.
8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.
9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
