Can I actually know God personally?

Yes - and God wants you to know Him personally. Imagine knowing a president or someone famous personally: being welcomed, recognized, and able to speak with them. How much greater is the invitation to know the Creator of the universe.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Jesus describes eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.

God took the first step

God has taken the first step toward us. He loves us and demonstrated that love by sending His Son.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Through Him, we can receive forgiveness and come to the Father.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Called friends

Jesus even calls His disciples friends.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

This friendship includes trusting Him and following His commands. He welcomes us into a relationship of love while remaining our Lord.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Those who receive Jesus and believe in His name become children of God. You do not need fame, influence, or impressive achievements to receive that welcome. It is given through faith in Him.

As you come to know Him, you can speak to Him in prayer, learn from His Word, and follow Him in everyday life.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Jesus promises His Spirit to dwell in His people and remain with them. The God who made you invites you to come to Him through Jesus, to know His love, and to live as His child.