Have you ever found yourself completely surrounded by the presence of God? A moment where you could feel Him so deeply—your heart racing, an overwhelming sense of peace, joy, or comfort washing over you? A moment where you knew, without a doubt, that it was Him?

I remember the first time I was truly filled with the Holy Spirit after surrendering my life to God. Those early moments of intimacy with Him were some of the sweetest I have ever known. I cherished being in the secret place—crying out, dancing in His presence, or simply sitting quietly and soaking in His love. In those moments, I wasn’t asking for anything. I was just with Him.

But as time went on, the busyness of life slowly crept in. I became more focused on doing for God rather than simply being with Him. I wrestled with finding the right balance—between fulfilling His calling on my life and withdrawing to seek Him in solitude. While I still longed for those deep moments of intimacy, I found myself pulled toward ministry, relationships, and responsibilities. Before I knew it, I was spending time with God out of routine rather than desire.

Have you ever felt that way?

You still pray. You still read the Word. But something is missing. The joy you once had feels distant, and you find yourself longing for what once was.

And then, like David in Psalm 51:12, I find myself crying out:

I don’t just want to know about Him.
I don’t just want to serve Him.
I want to be with Him.

The truth is, I cannot restore that intimacy in my own strength. Yes, I must discipline myself to seek Him. Yes, I must make time for prayer and worship. But at the end of the day, it is His love that draws me back.

It is His love that calls me out of the fog of busyness.
It is His love that reminds me that nothing is sweeter than sitting at His feet.
It is His love that rekindles the fire within me, reminding me of the joy of simply being His.

As this new year unfolds, my prayer is not just for myself but for all of us who call upon His name—that we would rediscover the beauty of true intimacy with the Lord. That we would no longer approach time with Him as a duty or obligation, but as the greatest delight of our lives. That we would seek Him not for what He can give, but simply because He is worthy of our love.

May we once again find ourselves dancing in His presence.
May we once again find ourselves laughing with Him, weeping with Him, and being completely filled with Him.
May we remember that He is our Abba, Father, the One who has never left us nor forsaken us.

And for those who have never found this place of deep intimacy, I pray that this would be the year. That you would encounter the Lord in a way that changes everything. That you would sit with Him, overwhelmed by His love, not seeking anything but Him alone.

Lord, help us to remember.
Help me to remember.

Father, I pray for every person reading this today.
Restore the joy of Your salvation in our hearts.
Draw us back into deep, true intimacy with You.
Let us be a people who love Your presence—not just for what You can do, but for who You are.
May we be overwhelmed by Your love, resting in the beauty of simply being with You.

Let this be a year of renewal, revival, and restored intimacy.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.