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You can never come to know God deeply with shallow conversation. Intimacy with Him requires development and cultivation. The deepest working of the Holy Spirit comes during the time spent alone in His presence. That fellowship and deep working of the Spirit is richest when you are set apart from things that clutter your mind.


You can never come to know God deeply with shallow conversation. Intimacy with Him requires development and cultivation. The deepest working of the Holy Spirit comes during the time spent alone in His presence.

When we set time aside for fellowship with God we are entering into the richest experience of the Christian life. You were created for fellowship. This alone satisfies the desire of mankind and of God. That fellowship and deep working of the Spirit is richest when you are set apart from things that clutter your mind.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

It may sometimes feel as though you must drag yourself into the presence of God. Even when you are physically alone, your mind can be racing in many directions. You can easily waste that precious time with God by letting your mind wander.

But Jesus said to enter the chamber and shut the door. Close the door of your mind on distractions that draw your attention. Bring your mind under control.

Worship
Worship is one of the most powerful ways to bring your entire being into an attitude of receptiveness to God. As you enter into a time of fellowship with God, begin by worshiping Him. Sing a worshipful song. Speak out to Him your adoration.

Soon you will find that all of those things clamoring in your mind will take their rightful place—outside the door of your inner chamber.

This is not time for your requests, but rather to simply enter His presence, enjoy His fellowship, listen for His promptings and obtain the childlike assurance that your Father is near.

It is in these times of closeness to God that you have the greatest understanding of His willingness to be involved in your life. You gain a strengthening of your confidence, an establishing of your emotions, a deepening of your appreciation for all that He is.

You can trust Him as never before because you know Him as never before.

In Jeremiah 17, there is a beautiful description of one who has learned to trust God:

But happy he who relies on the Eternal, with the Eternal for his confidence! He is like a tree planted beside a stream, reaching its roots to the water; untouched by any fear of scorching heat, its leaves are ever green, it goes on bearing fruit in days of drought, and lives serene.
(vv. 7-8)
Your time in the inner chamber causes your roots to reach deep into God. Deep roots make strong, healthy trees. In fact, most trees have as much under the ground in root systems as they do above the ground in branches and leaves.

The root represents your private life with God. The leaves are the public life that others see. When a life of private fellowship is developed it will be evident as you minister and deal with people publicly.

For many, the vast majority of their time with God is in a public setting—either church, Bible study, or prayer meetings. You need as much beneath the surface as you have above the surface.

Deep roots create stability and confidence in times when winds buffet you. There is tranquility and serenity deep within because you have tapped into the source of strength.

When everything in your Christian experience is above the ground, you have very little depth of stability. No wonder you lack confidence in God. You can be so easily tossed back and forth.

It is in the quiet times in His presence worshiping, waiting, praising, and listening that you enter the highest levels of prayer. You have left business outside the door and simply opened yourself to commune with your Father.

These are the times God will speak to you and show you His wisdom and His will.

Source: Knowing God Intimately by Dennis Burke.
Excerpt permission granted by Dennis Burke Ministries

Author Biography

Dennis Burke, Ph.D.
Web site: Dennis Burke Ministries
 
Since 1979, Dennis Burke has led multitudes of believers into the biblical principles of faith, healing, love, prosperity, and righteousness. Through the Insights: the Way to a New Life magazine, books, eBooks, CDs, and mp3 resources, Dennis has brought revelation knowledge on the truths of God's Word. He has taught Christians everywhere to know God more deeply and overcome the challenges life brings through faith in God's Word.
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