It’s difficult to imagine how an intimate friendship is possible between an omnipotent, invisible, perfect God and a finite, sinful human being…The word for friend in this verse does not mean a casual acquaintance but a close, trusted relationship. The same word is used to refer to the best man at a wedding and a king’s inner circle of intimate, trusted friends. In royal courts…the inner circle of trusted friends enjoy close contact, direct access, and confidential information…knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved is God’s greatest pleasure...You are as close to God as you choose to be. Like any friendship, you must work at developing your friendship with God. It won’t happen by accident. It takes desire, time, and energy. If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with God you must learn to honestly share your feelings with Him, trust Him when he asks you to do something, learn to care about what He cares about, and desire His friendship more than anything else.
Rick Warren
The Purpose Driven Life
pp86-87,92
