31 Days Toward Intimacy with God

by Joni Eareckson Tada

As believers, we were made for intimacy with God. The Lord Jesus gave His life for us so that we might have intimacy with Him. God knows that the more we get to know Him, the more we will know of life—the life we were created to experience. By focusing our thoughts on Him, we will grasp more fully His goodness and be all the better for it. We’ll come to see how much we really do depend on Him for everything—from salvation, to strength for each new day, to the next breath we draw into our lungs.

To know God intimately,

trust in Him faithfully,

and depend on Him consistently.

You want this immediately. So you must seek Him passionately!

Journey now along the pathway following the sweet, enticing fragrance of heaven. But don’t expect a walk in the park. In every life there are times when the road narrows and the skies grow dark. Seasons of suffering are as certain as the glorious destination before you. Yet you are called to go, and the Source of your spirit’s restoration promises to never leave your side.

Daily inspiration from Joni Eareckson Tada gently guides your steps to a closer, more intimate walk with your Savior. And as you travel, new life—His life!—is freely yours as a gift.

Story Behind the Book

“In the thirty-seven years I’ve lived as a quadriplegic, I have been forced time and again into the arms of Jesus. Sometimes my paralysis has pushed me down the road to Calvary, like a sheepdog snapping at my heels. Sometimes suffering is like jackhammer, breaking apart my rocks of resistance and pride. Most often, my wheelchair has dumped me at the foot of the cross, and I have rested there by the overwhelming conviction that I have nowhere else to turn. But that’s okay. In fact, it’s a blessing. It’s all a bruising-of-a-blessing. Because near the cross, in the arms of Jesus, I have discovered deep, sweet, peaceable intimacy with the Savior. It’s an intimacy worth sharing!”

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2005

About the author

Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community".

Reviews

[Philip Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful devotional. Joni Eareckson Tada's, service to the disability community is beyond remarkable in its scope. Her faith and joy is on displace in this 31 day devotional. Pack away your complaints about your life and live by the example that she sets for us all.

[Armena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good in regards to reminding me how important God is in my life and ways to improve my relationship with him! Of course I read it in less than 10 days, I couldn't help myself, I wanted to know what tomorrow had to bring!!!!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My entire church is reading this together! Great book if you have been struggling with a consistent quiet time. Short daily readings.

[Renee Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short devotional for any season. Joni Eareckson Tada paints a captivating picture of Jesus, suffering, and intimacy with the Lord. There is nothing overly earth-shattering in these pages, but she shares really helpful analogies and personal stories that (even as an able-bodied woman) I can relate. I always appreciate Joni’s voice on the goodness of God in the giving of suffering. What a stalwart sister who is a great example of giving thanks in everything.

“There are aspects of your life and character— good, quality things—He wants others to notice. So, without using blatant tricks or obvious gimmicks, God brings the cool, dark contrast of suffering into your life. The contrast, laid up against the golden character of Christ within you, will draw attention…to Him. Light against darkness. Beauty against affliction. Joy against sorrow. A sweet, patient spirit against pain and disappointment—major contrasts that have a way of attracting notice. Your life begins to snap with interest. People notice you out of the corner of their eye—are drawn to you—without really understanding why. They are, in fact, seeing what the Master Artist wants them to observe: Christ in you, highlighted against an opposing force of dark suffering. He draws you into intimacy with Himself, even in the most difficult, pressure-filled days of your life. Jesus allows you to know Him through the ‘fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.’ Whether He chooses to use dark paint or light, you are the canvas in which He paints glorious truths, sharing beauty and inspiring others. So that people might see Him.” (173-174).

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"On that terrible, wonderful day, God's goodness and kindness were directed to you. God forsook His own Son, so that he would never have to forsake you." (Pg. 28)

Reading this book was a great start to 2025! I was encouraged, humbled, and reminded again and again of my need for constant communion with the Lord.

[Carol Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of her books are deep and delightful. My husband and I used this together for our devotions. Excellent and thought-provoking.

[Joyce Stahle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little devotional

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super little devotional.