One of the sure signs that a disciple is reaching a mature relationship with God is in the matter of relaxation. “They saw God, and did eat and drink” (Exodus 24:11, KJV). People who claim that God must always be approached with holy fear do not really know God.
If I am awkward in the presence of God, I do not know Him too well. He wants me to become familiar enough with Him to “eat and drink” in His presence. He wants to call me His “friend,” as He called Abraham, Moses, and the twelve disciples. Familiarity is not a sign of flippancy, nor does it always breed contempt. Does God say of me as He said of Abraham, “I know him” (Genesis 18:19, KJV, italics added)? God knows everyone, but does He know me as an intimate friend in whom He confides?
Jesus elevated His disciples from “servants” to “friends” (John 15:15, KJV). To be a servant of Jesus is a high calling indeed; but to be a friend means to be in on His plans, thoughts, feelings, and purposes. How amazing that many Christians never know at a given moment how Jesus feels. They know His general purposes from the Word, but they do not know His heart and mind concerning a particular situation. Elisha knew when God was going to take his leader, Elijah, from him into heaven (2 Kings 2:3), because he was more than a servant; Elisha was a friend of God.
To be relaxed in God’s presence means that there is no fence between us. Trust and love have replaced fear and timidity. Awe has given way to acceptance. It is no light matter to have arrived here, and God is very careful about whom He admits to this intimacy. May God count me worthy! What an honor to be “comfortable” with God!
“Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25–26).
Daily with the King 