How to Grow A Relationship with God

“Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” Psalm 25:14 (TLB)

If I want to build a deep relationship with God, I have to slow down and be quiet.

Friendship with God is like any other friendship—I have to make time for it. If I don’t make time for my human friends, they’re not really my friends. I make time for my friends. If God is going to be my best friend, I've got to give him my best time.

The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

To know God better, I need to be still. And a great way to be still with God is by having a daily quiet time with him.

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises” (Psalm 25:14).

Many people don’t know God. They haven’t experienced his love. They don’t know why he does what he does. Yet the Bible says that friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him—in other words, those who slow down and spend time with him.

What would a friendship be like if I never invested my time in it? Friendships need attention. I will never know God intimately if I only go to church services.

I've got to read God’s Word and ask him, “God, is there anything you want to say to me?” I don’t have to use any fancy phrases or words. Just talk to him authentically. And then listen!

The Message paraphrase says it like this: “When you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production. . . . Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Slow down today, focus on God, and listen as he speaks to me about his grace. 

In summary:

Psalm 25:14 emphasizes that intimacy with the God is not a universal experience by default, but a "reserved" privilege for those who approach Him with reverence and intentionality. True friendship with God mimics the mechanics of human relationship: it requires the sacrifice of time, the elimination of performance-based "role-playing," and a commitment to stillness. By prioritizing a daily quiet time and engaging in authentic, two-way communication—speaking honestly and listening for His response—the believer moves beyond religious observation into a space where God reveals the "secrets of His promises" and the depth of His grace.

Bottom Line:

Deep intimacy with God is the direct result of intentional stillness and the consistent investment of your best time.

Next steps:

Dedicate 15 minutes to a "no-performance" session. Use this time to read a single verse and then sit in silence with a notebook, asking God one simple question: "What do I need to hear from You today?" Resist the urge to use formal religious language; speak and listen as you would with a trusted friend.