Lack of Belief

Unbelief prevents us from trusting God. We live in the physical realm, but God resides in the spirit world. Like the wind, we cannot see Him with our human eyes but we can experience the effects of His presence. We require eyes of faith to behold our Spirit God.

The Bible explains that “… without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

Our God, Who cannot be contained by the entire universe, created us to know Him personally. In fact, He is pleased with us when we seek to know Him better. Imagine that! This incomprehensibly awesome God and Ruler of the universe wants us to have a close relationship with Him. Why would this great Creator God be so concerned about His created beings?

David pondered that same question. He asked, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you have set in place — what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” (Psalm 8:3, 4, NLT).

Although it’s perplexing, none-the-less it’s true. We are precious to God. In fact, He values us so much that He was willing to have Jesus die on the cross for our sins so we could have an intimate relationship with Him for all eternity. But that relationship requires faith on our part.

Do you believe what God tells us in the Bible? Are you willing to pursue greater intimacy with your Creator God by faith? Will you choose to behold His majesty through eyes of faith?

Preoccupied with Distractions

Busyness can also be a barrier to developing a closer relationship with God — even when we are actively serving Him. We mean well. We are devoted to Jesus and His Kingdom. But our focus on accomplishment can actually get in the way of our worship and fellowship with Jesus.

Consider this example recorded by Luke:

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

Are you more of a Martha or Mary by nature? Do you become so focused on the work you are doing that you don’t have time for Jesus? Unless you make your relationship with God a higher priority than all the other things clamoring for your attention, it will never reach its full potential.

Click here to read page 3 of 4 about “Barriers to Knowing God Intimately.”