Can we actually be friends with God?
When I’ve spoken about the possibility of friendship with God there’s always an interesting response from people. Some embrace this idea wholeheartedly while others are hesitant. This is God, right?! We’re not just talking about our mate down the road.
“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:10-11 NLT
God wants to be your friend.
It’s always a good thing to look back to the original. The original intention of God for humanity and the original dynamic that existed between God and mankind. What we find is a relational dynamic that is intimate, close, one of friendship. There were no rituals, ceremonies or religion – just simple love. A delight existed between God and his creation, us.
A severing takes place. The once intimate and real friendship is disrupted and then only a few people over the course of history are known as friends of God. For most, a fear and apprehension existed within themselves toward God.
Then Jesus changed it all.
Jesus stepped into the chasm and he became the bridge, for all who would believe. Jesus made a way when we couldn’t, to bring us back into friendship with God.
When we talk of friendship with God we aren’t talking of a casual acquaintance. The word used in a Biblical sense describes this relational dynamic as one of strong trust. Of being in the inner circle where there is direct access.
“Knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege and being known and loved is God’s greatest pleasure.”
Rick Warren
How do we become close, intimate friends with God?
Constant conversation. Friendship is established and then built upon by sharing all of our life. Ongoing, open and honest communication will bring health into any relationship. God isn’t looking to be an appointment on our schedule, although scheduling is a good thing, he desires to be intimately involved in everything. Time with God doesn’t need to be just alone time. It can be all the time.
This is God’s ideal. In Eden, worship wasn’t an event to attend but a perpetual attitude to live by.
Practice the presence of God.
Rick Warren writes this, “Your goal is not a feeling, but a continual awareness of the reality that God is always present. This is the lifestyle of worship.”
Continual meditation. To consider, process and think upon God by his word. It is impossible to know God apart from what he says and is Spirit. It may not be practical to have your nose in a Bible all day long but you can come back to his word in thought throughout the day. Mediation is simply focused thinking. Friends tell each other unique things. God desires to speak with you in a unique and specific way.
“Prayer lets you speak to God; mediation lets God speak to you.”
Rick Warren
Summary:
Remember – God wants to be your friend.
Key Bible verse – “God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.” Psa 25:14 MSG
Pray: Father, I open my heart and open my eyes that I may see you and be aware of your presence.
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