Most people believe in God and give lip service to Him, but very few people have a close and an  intimate relationship with Him. The reason is that if you are going to be really close to God you must be committed to obeying Him as God. Most have a “parallel relationship” with God, that is they are going in the same general direction as God, but they want to keep their distance from Him at the same time, like two railroad tracks, going the same direction but apart. Why would that be so prevalent in people in general, it is like we are hard wired to be fiercely independent even rebellious at times from infinite, almighty, all wise God. One of the amazing benefits of seeking a closer and closer walk with Him is the gift of joy that He gives to those who honor Him, seek Him, and obey Him. It is a joy that rises above circumstances and events, it is a supernatural joy that thrives in the midst of trials, disappointment and pain. It is a simple matter of choosing, making the commitment,