Have you ever wondered how intimacy with the Holy Spirit can completely transform your life? Reading through the New Testament, one thing stands out: people who encountered the Lord Jesus were touched one way or the other.  They were delivered, healed, outraged or saved – but not all experienced a personal relationship with the Lord.  This relationship became possible when the Holy Spirit entered the scene.

The disciples walked with the Lord every day, receiving teachings, witnessing miracles. However, they truly were transformed when the Holy Spirit filled them up. They became bold, they spoke in new tongues, received divine revelations, were teleported from one place to the other, persecuted and killed. The events of Pentecost emphasize the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

When we give our life to Christ and acknowledge our need for a Savior, it is just the beginning of amazing experiences that are waiting for us. True transformation happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. That’s when and where intimacy with our teacher, counselor and friend develops. Without Him, we cannot fully know the will of the Father.

The Journey

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit requires a decision, the desire and sometimes time. It is cultivated through prayers in faith, meditation on the Word of God, and obedience. However, distractions can hinder this relationship.  Luke 8: 14-15 reminds us of this truth:

“¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. ¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

This passage challenges us to prioritize our time with the Lord. When life’s challenges overwhelmed me, I once found myself unable to pray. Family circumstances and personal struggles consumed my thoughts. Days passed before I realized I needed to let go of those worries and focus on Jesus. I had to prepare my heart to receive His Word.

Verse 15 of Luke 8 says “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” You may be wondering then, what does it mean to have a noble and good heart. The Bible says there is no one who is good but God (Matthew 9:17). How do we then get a good heart? The only one who can give us a good heart is the one who has it.  The good news is that God promises to give us a new heart and spirit. Ezekiel 36:26  says:

                 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the noble and good heart necessary to hear God’s Word, retain it, and produce fruit.

One key element that strikes me in the passage of Luke is the word “persevering”.  Spending time in God’s presence is essential, even when it feels difficult or inconvenient. Have you ever felt that your time with the Lord ended too soon? Perhaps responsibilities like work or ministry have pulled you away. While time may not always be on our side, persistence in seeking God is vital.

Perseverance means continuing to pray, worship, and trust God, even when circumstances seem unchanged. When we linger in His presence, we position ourselves to hear His rhema—the spoken word for our lives. This Word can bring direction, clarity, and transformation, just as it did for the disciples. Over time, we will see our lives reflect the boldness and power they experienced. Let’s keep pushing for closeness with the Holy Spirit who is waiting to deposit some jewels in our hearts.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Intimacy

Here are a few steps to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit:

1. Surrender Daily: Begin and end each day by surrendering your plans and desires to the   Holy Spirit.
2. Spend Continuous Time for Holy Spirit: Dedicate uninterrupted time for prayer, worship, and   meditation on Scripture.
3. Stay in the Word: Regularly read and reflect on the Bible to hear from the Holy Spirit.
4. Obey Promptings: Act on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, no matter how small or challenging it may seem.

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit is a lifelong journey that requires patience and perseverance. As we seek Him daily, He will fill our hearts with wisdom, strength, and peace. Let us make it our mission to draw closer to the Holy Spirit, knowing that He longs to guide us into the fullness of life in Christ.

Let’s pray

Holy Spirit, I thank you for this opportunity to draw near to you. I surrender my heart to you. Give me a heart of flesh so that I can receive and keep the word you have for me. Lead me as you desire and help me to walk in obedience. Let me desire you more than anything else so that my time with you is a priority. Thank you for transforming my life and being my best friend. Amen.