The key element in a close personal relationship is the relationship. In its simplest form relationship means to connect to or with. Think about how powerful this is in a relationship (no pun intended) with God. You and the God of all creation are connected, in thoughts, words, emotions, and actions. You and God are connected.
A close personal relationship with the godhead means you are connected in a more intimate way. By this, I mean deeper than the routine weekly meeting, or morning prayer, or the thought about God in a crisis. You are close enough to feel his presence, all though you see no one. You are close enough to hear his whisper, all though not with your natural ears. You are close enough to understand what he is saying, all though your natural mind does not grasp it.
There are so many stories I can share about being in God’s presence that illustrates this. Although they sound self-serving, these experiences are not unique to me, for many have shared intimate experiences during or their time with God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.
One time while seeking the Lord, I found myself at the bottom of a small waterfall. The misty spray washing over my face. I could feel the coolness of the water as it hit my cheeks. There was an indescribable peace that permeated my being. To the side of the waterfall were steps leading to a landing. I could make out a door and knew that on the other side was heaven. I began ascending the steps, reaching the landing. As I reached my hand toward the doorknob, I stopped, knowing that I was not supposed to open it.
Another time while seeking the Lord, I became aware that God was in my bedroom. His presence was so large that I felt there was not enough room for both of us. My eyes were closed. I was afraid to open them because I would see God. This incredible peace filled my very being as I sat there. He spoke to me, but I did not hear him with my natural ears, it was louder than that, yet not overpowering. God gave me instructions concerning something I had been seeking direction on—even though it was not on my mind at the time of this encounter.
Yet another time, I was in prayer—nothing special being prayed about—when that incredible peace flowed over my being. I became aware of someone behind me. It upset me a little because of the deep presence of God I was experiencing. I moved my head slightly so as to acknowledge my awareness of their presence. Out of the corner of my eye, I was someone with shoulder-length hair and average height standing just a few feet behind me. The morning sun shining through the window, created an aura about their head as the sunlight passed through their hair.
After a few moments, the peace began to lift and I turned to speak to the person. No one was there. In my mind, I believed it be my secretary. Entering the office, I stopped dead in my tracks, as her hair was pulled up in a bun (the only time I am aware of). Instantly I knew that Jesus, God the Son was standing there.
Of course, these are what I call, “major” encounters with the godhead. They do not happen often—although I believe they could. There are daily encounters where a thought runs through my mind, reminding me to get something. I simply say Thank you Holy Spirit, because I believe it to be God looking out for me.
So, a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is an incredible journey (and quite unexpected—as I did not expect any of these “major” encounters) to a connection with the creator God. The beauty of this is found in the biblical history of those who found such a relationship—Moses, Enoch, David (to mention a few) in the Old Testament, followed by Jesus, John, and Paul (again to mention a few) in the New Testament. These are not “special” people, only people who found a connection with God. That connection causes them to stand out in the biblical accounts of history. This means that if it happened to them, it can happen to you.
It is also my conviction that in the days ahead, those who find such a relationship will be positioned to help those who are being overcome with the fear that has already begun sweeping the globe.
Blessings on you fellow travelers.