Becoming a Friend of God

There is a question that quietly shapes the depth of our spiritual lives: Who makes the first move when it comes to intimacy with God?

We often wait for a feeling, a sign, or a surge of inspiration. But Scripture gives a clear invitation: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). The move begins with us, not because God is distant or reluctant, but because love invites response. The depth of your intimacy with Christ depends largely on your willingness to step closer.

The most intimate believers are not always the most visible. Intimacy is personal, not public. Like the tender moments in a marriage, it is cultivated in private. In the same way, closeness with God grows in the secret place — quiet rooms, early mornings, whispered prayers, unseen tears. That is where you make your move.

Yet Scripture reveals something even more beautiful: while we seek God, He already longs for us. James 4:5 says He “yearns jealously” over the spirit He placed within us. Before you ever prayed, He longed. Before you ever worshiped, His heart was already turned toward you. This is not religion, it is relationship.

David captured this intimacy in Psalm 139. He speaks of a God who knows when we sit and rise, who understands our thoughts, who formed us in secret. He declares that God’s thoughts toward us outnumber the grains of sand. This is not poetic exaggeration. It is love. When you love someone, you think about them constantly. That is how God feels about you.

So why don’t we always experience this closeness? Because intimacy requires something our generation often resists: the fear of the Lord.

Psalm 25:14 says, “The Lord confides in those who fear Him.” To fear God is not to be afraid, but to live in reverence, awe, and loving obedience. We cannot treat God casually and expect deep intimacy. He invites comfort, but not casualness. He is Savior and King, Lamb and Lion.

Abraham was called God’s friend (Isaiah 41:8). That friendship was not casual; it was proven through obedience. When tested, Abraham chose trust over comfort — and encountered God as Provider. Friendship with God carries a cost: pride, independence, control. But what you gain is far greater — revelation, trust, and closeness with His heart.

Friendship with God does not happen accidentally. It begins with reverence, deepens in the secret place, and grows through obedience.

And here is why this matters for us this year.

Intimacy with Jesus is not the end goal — transformation is. The closer you draw to Him, the more His heart begins to shape yours. You start to see people the way He sees them. You respond with patience where you once reacted in frustration. You forgive more quickly. You love more deeply.

Loving like Jesus does not begin with striving. It begins with abiding.

Friendship with God produces the character of Christ. When you live in the secret place, His compassion flows through you in public places. When you revere Him in private, you reflect Him in your interactions.

If we want to love like Jesus, we must first stay close to Jesus.

So today, the invitation is simple: withdraw from the noise, open your heart, and draw near.

Make your move.

Because the God who created you is already longing for you.

Erouane Okenkali
Volunteer -Growth Teams
Gabon