How to Get Closer to GOD

How to Get Closer to GOD
by Jade Leslie

In the pursuit of a closer relationship with God, let us recognize that the level of intimacy we enjoy with Him is determined by our choices. As James 4:8 reminds us, it is we who decide the depth of our connection with the Almighty.

The scripture emphasizes that God, in His passionate spirit, yearns for us (James 4:5). His thoughts about us are countless, like the grains of sand, reflecting a depth of intimacy we may not fully comprehend.

The burning question for many Christians is: How can I get closer to God? While the desire is mutual between us and God, there's a foundation crucial to building intimacy — the fear of the Lord.

Leviticus 10:3 instructs us to regard God as holy, and John 4:24 underscores that worshiping Him requires spirit and truth. This foundation is not merely a surface acknowledgment but a profound understanding of the fear of the Lord.

Exploring Isaiah 11:1-3a, we find the attributes of the Spirit of the Lord, including wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. It is this fear that God delights in—the reverential awe and deep love for Him.

But what does the fear of the Lord entail? At its basic level, it involves a profound awareness of the judgment for willful disobedience (Hebrews 10:26-31). Yet, at its highest level, it is a love for God so deep that we refrain from anything that might displease His Spirit (Hebrews 12:18-29).

The benefits of the fear of the Lord are manifold:
- Wisdom and Knowledge
- Relationship with God
- Purity
- Healing and Rest
- Godly Friendship
- Single-mindedness
- Worship
- Protection
- Blessing
- Provision
- Ultimate Purpose

How do we develop the fear of the Lord? It's within the Spirit of God, a result of being born again (John 3:3-8). We voluntarily acknowledge His greatness and our inadequacy or involuntarily experience his judgement.

As shared by John Bevere, a congregation's repentance in Brazil led to a powerful outpouring of God's presence, transforming lives and destinies. When God reveals His glory, He doesn't leave us undone; He sends His Spirit to transform us.

John Bevere tells the testimony of going to a mega Church in Brazil for the national conference where the congregation was irreverent, Holy Spirit told him to address it he did and three-fourths of the congregation repented and then the presence of God like a mighty rushing wind came into the place

People were weeping, confessing and being renewed in the fear of the Lord. Miracles broke out and peoples lives were changed, peoples destiny were set on fire and they still talk about that service 20+ years later

In conclusion, our journey and destination in God's plan begin with the fear of the Lord. It is the foundation of intimacy, a profound reverence that opens the door to God's transformative power. As we embark on this journey, may the fear of the Lord guide us, shape us, and lead us closer to the heart of our Heavenly Father.