Entering the Secret Place: How to Build Intimacy with God

Girl, let's be real for a moment. When was the last time you felt that deep, soul-stirring connection with God that made everything else fade away? You know, that sacred space where it's just you and Him, where time seems to disappear and His presence becomes so tangible you can almost reach out and touch it?

If you're like most believers, that kind of intimacy might feel like a distant memory, or maybe something you've never quite experienced. Here's the truth, Sis: God is calling you into the secret place, and it's time to answer that call.

The secret place isn't necessarily a physical location (though it can be). It's that sacred space of communion where you block out everything else and spend quality time with your Heavenly Father. It's where barriers come down, masks come off, and real relationship happens.

Think about it, when you were crushing on someone, you wanted to talk to them first thing in the morning and last thing at night. You'd carve out time in your busy schedule just to connect. Those long conversations where hours felt like minutes? That's the kind of relationship God desires with you.

The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." God isn't playing hide and seek with you, beloved. He's waiting with open arms, ready to meet you in that intimate space.

Here's what I've learned: Christianity was never meant to be a religion of rules and regulations. It's about relationship. Without intimacy, our faith becomes transactional, we show up when we need something, follow a checklist to feel "good enough," and wonder why we feel spiritually dry.

But when you prioritize intimacy with God, everything shifts. You feel alive, healed, and excited about spending time with Him. That frustration and burnout? It starts melting away because you're no longer operating from your own strength.

I remember when my own relationship with God became sporadic and haphazard. I was focusing more on the anointing and the assignment than on the One who called me. Those years were marked by spiritual and emotional hardship because my relationship had become transactional. But when I reconnected with Him in that intimate space? Game changer, Sis.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10

Before you can enter into deep intimacy with God, there's some housekeeping to do. Repentance isn't just about saying sorry, it's about removing every barrier that stands between you and your Father.

I used to think I lived a relatively holy life. I avoided the "big" sins and asked God to cleanse me regularly. But when I really pressed in, God revealed one word to me: rebellion. Girl, I did not want to hear that! I saw myself as "strong-willed," not rebellious. But God showed me that rebellion was present in subtle ways, pushing back on His timing, insisting on my way, rationalizing delayed obedience.

The moment I truly repented, from a place of deep sorrow, something shifted. That barrier between us began to crumble.

Your Turn:
Ask God, "Lord, what is standing in the way of our intimacy?" Write down whatever He brings to your heart, then repent with a sincere heart.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7

Sis, you don't have to manufacture intimacy with God through your own effort. Remember those open-book tests in school? That's exactly how it is with God: He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish everything He commands.

If building intimacy feels impossible, pray this: "Lord, I desire an intimate relationship with You. Please help me." Or if you're not even there yet: "Lord, please help me to desire an intimate relationship with You."

Any variation of this prayer, offered from a sincere heart, is effective. God hears, and He will respond.

Prayer isn't a duty you have to complete to be a "good Christian." It's an invitation to partnership with God. When you don't show up for prayer, God isn't waiting to punish you, He's heartbroken because He was ready to spend time with you, and you didn't show up.

Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together." The Most High God is inviting you into meaningful conversation. How honored should you feel?

What if your relationship with God felt like dating someone you were completely smitten with? What if you approached prayer time with that same eagerness and anticipation?

I have times when I go to God, not because I need anything, but because I miss Him. I'll say, "Hey Daddy, how are You? I miss You. My day was so hard, but I thought about how my reaction would make You feel, so I just walked away."

Find your special "date" time with God. Maybe it's early morning like my 4 AM prayer time, or maybe it's during your lunch break. Block it out on your calendar and prepare your heart like you would for someone you deeply care about.

But here's the key: don't spend the entire time asking for things. Before you present your requests, spend time focused solely on knowing more about Him, His heart, His desires, His character.

Journal Prompt:
If you could plan the perfect date with God, what would it look like? How would approaching God this way change your relationship with Him?

You can't build intimacy with someone without getting to know them. The Bible reveals God's character, His plans for us, and how we can walk in the life He desires for us.

Instead of viewing Bible study as another task on your checklist, see it as an opportunity to learn more about the incredible One you're in relationship with. On days when I approach it with purpose, whether exploring a topic or simply wanting to know more about God, I find myself getting lost in the pages, captivated as time flies by.

One prayer that transforms everything: "Lord, You said that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, You will fill us up. Please make me hungry and thirsty for Your Word."

"But the time is coming: indeed it's here now: when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth." - John 4:23

Worship isn't just praise: it's deep reverence and adoration toward God. It shifts our perspective from our problems to His goodness and sovereignty. When we worship, it's impossible to remain ungrateful.

Create a playlist of worship songs that focus on who God is: not just what He's done, but His attributes, character, and majesty. Use this during your secret place time to draw closer to Him.

Building intimacy doesn't happen overnight. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) needs to become a way of life, like breathing, sleeping, and eating.

The momentum you build in your secret place isn't meant to stop. It's a foundation for a lifelong relationship with God. Stay consistent in your quiet time, treat it like a sacred appointment, and protect it fiercely.

Everything I've shared here is just the beginning, Sis. If you're hungry for more: if you're ready to experience the kind of transformation that comes from true intimacy with God: I want to invite you to join my 7-Day Intimacy Challenge.

This isn't just another challenge you'll start and abandon. This challenge was birthed during my own intimate time with God, and I felt compelled to share it with His people. Over seven days (plus two bonus days!), you'll dive deep into practical steps that will revolutionize your relationship with God.

You'll discover how to:

• Remove barriers that hinder intimacy

• Transform your prayer life from duty to delight

• Approach Bible study with fresh hunger

• Incorporate worship that shifts your perspective

• Build consistency that creates lasting change

Everything you're believing God for is on the other side of surrendering to an intimate relationship with Him.

Join the 7-Day Intimacy Challenge at www.valuedministries.com/intimacywithgod

Girl, God is waiting for you in the secret place. He's been there all along, ready to meet with you, share His heart, and transform your life. The question is: are you ready to show up?