Pursing intimacy with Jesus

“Come close to Me, and I will come close to you.” James 4:8

We are living in a paradox where connection is constantly desired yet often feels distant. With tools like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Zoom, we have countless ways to stay in touch, yet a deep sense of closeness—intimacy—often eludes us. Intimacy is the experience of being fully known and fully accepted, requiring vulnerability, trust, and openness. While relational intimacy is vital, the deeper, most soul-satisfying intimacy is Spiritual Intimacy—a closeness with God rooted in shared presence, honesty, and ongoing communion. Our modern society celebrates surface-level performance and speed, training us to build an image rather than reveal our hearts. It is no wonder intimacy feels hard when we build lives around avoiding the very thing our souls crave.

The profound truth we often forget is that real intimacy doesn’t start with people; it starts with God. We were created for this connection, and our hearts remain restless until we find profound fulfillment in our Creator. Before we ever sought Him, God desired closeness with us, creating intimacy to be simple: just Him and us, walking together. When intimacy with God is restored, every other form of closeness in our lives will find its proper place and meaning. As 2025 draws to a close, Jesus is extending a specific invitation to draw close to Him now. This is a sacred, opportune moment—a time to intentionally carve out space, invest in our relationship with God, and set a powerful trajectory for 2026.

1. Intimacy is Our Greatest Calling

Jesus demonstrated that intimacy is a choice, not an accident, as seen in the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38–42. Martha was distracted by serving and the many details of hospitality, while her sister, Mary, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help, Jesus gently corrected her: “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus was not dismissing Martha’s work, but He was affirming that Mary prioritized being with Him over doing for Him. The path to intimacy begins with an honest “Love Check”—a moment to ask if we genuinely value and love Jesus enough to prioritize time with Him. The journey requires intentionality, consistency, and actively engaging His presence by cutting off distractions and having a two-way conversation through listening to His Word and speaking to Him in prayer.

2. Intimacy is Our Greatest Source of Power

The lives of the greatest leaders in Scripture testify that public influence flows from private intimacy. Moses, a mighty leader who led millions, gained his authority not from his position, but from his presence with God. The Bible states God spoke to Moses “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” Moses’ time spent alone with God on the mountain was the source of his clarity, direction, courage, and supernatural power. His battles were won outside because he cultivated a relationship inside the tent of meeting. This is echoed in Zechariah 4:6, which states, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. When we feel overwhelmed by a heavy workload or crowded schedule, the solution is not to work harder, but to spend quality time with God. As D. L. Moody wisely put it, “I am too busy not to spend time with God in the morning.” True strength, clarity, and effectiveness are renewed only in His presence.

3. Intimacy is Our Greatest Joy

King David, Israel’s greatest king, understood that intimacy with God is the ultimate desire and source of joy. When asked what he sought most, he responded in Psalm 27:4 (NLT): “The one thing I ask of the LORD… is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections.” David sought God’s presence, protection, and the confidence that flows from it above all else. Psalm 16:11 confirms this truth: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” When God becomes our true joy and satisfaction—our “one thing”—every lesser pleasure and distraction loses its grip. Rooting our joy in Jesus keeps our hearts steady, our priorities aligned, and our lives deeply fulfilled.

4. Intimacy Transforms Everything Else

Finally, intimacy with Jesus transforms every other aspect of our lives. When we draw close to the King, our identity becomes clearer, our fears diminish, our love for others deepens, and our purpose simplifies from chasing ten things to chasing one Person. The life of Daniel, who was dragged into a pagan foreign land and stripped of his identity, exemplifies this. Despite intense pressure, he refused to compromise, praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. His unshakeable intimacy with God gave him revelation, wisdom, and an unmatched reputation, allowing him to serve faithfully under five different kings and become a bright star in a dark sky.

A Christian who neglects this relationship is like a phone with 1% battery or a GPS that only works when connected. Intimacy is not optional; it is the essential, intentional investment that is our greatest hope for transformation. As James 4:8 promises, “Come close to Me, and I will come close to you.” Now is the best season to dedicate ourselves to drawing near to God.