4 February

DAY 7 — Obedience Leads to Intimacy with God

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”

Focus Thought: God desires obedience more than outward activity or performance.

God has always been more interested in our hearts than in our actions alone. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul offered sacrifices, yet his partial obedience revealed a divided heart. Samuel’s words remind us that religious activity can never replace a surrendered and obedient life. God delights not in performance, but in faith-filled obedience.

Obedience is deeply relational. When we obey God, we demonstrate that we trust Him, value His voice, and desire closeness with Him. Intimacy with God grows when our actions align with His will. Each act of obedience clears space in our hearts for deeper fellowship and sensitivity to His presence.

Sacrifice without obedience can become an empty routine, but obedience draws us into a genuine relationship. As we listen carefully and respond faithfully, our hearts remain tender and connected to God. Obedience keeps us close because it continually aligns our lives with His desires.

When we choose obedience, even in unseen or quiet moments, we discover that it leads us closer to God Himself. Intimacy is the fruit of a life that listens and responds with love.

Action for Today: As you end your day, ask God: “Where can my obedience bring You delight this week?” Listen with an open heart and be willing to respond.

Prayer: Lord, I want my life to delight You. Help me to obey You from a heart of love, not obligation. Draw me closer as I listen to Your voice and walk in Your ways. Amen.

Reflection Question: How did obedience draw you closer to God today?

Journal Prompt: Write about a moment when obedience deepened your awareness of God’s presence. How did responding to His voice strengthen your relationship with Him?

WEEKLY DECLARATION

I keep God’s commands because I love Him. I obey quickly, joyfully, and courageously.

My obedience unlocks God’s blessing, strengthens my intimacy with Him, and prepares a dwelling place for His Presence. Where God speaks, I say yes.

Weekly outward application:

Allow the Holy Spirit to show you something that you need to do, that is out of your comfort zone. Maybe you need to find the email address of a big CEO or celebrity and give them a word. Maybe you need to go and visit children in a hospital and pray for them… it can be anything He shows you, that you know is something that will require you to get out of your comfort zone.