So far we have talked about two principles. You can check yesterday’s devotion for those two in a short recap.
Two words stand out with a third one for today: Trust (#1). Relationship (#2). And Intimacy (#3).
That idea has always intrigued me. Think of intimacy and what word comes to mind? (Keep it clean! 🙂 ). The word that comes to my mind is CLOSENESS. Another word is nakedness (and here I told you to keep it clean). But not in the physical sense, but naked as in unguarded, you-see-me-as-I-am. A person who is physically naked is, in essence, hiding nothing.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words in Phil. 3:19 where he says, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection…” The phrase to know means to know intimately. That sure puts a spin on our relationship doesn’t it? That tells me it is more than casual. It is more than “when I feel like it.”
David expressed the intimacy God desires in his prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 where he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Test me and know my anxious thoughts! Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (NLT)
We were made to worship Him! We were made to know Him! There is a bare bones honesty David is yearning for with God. As Augustine is credited with saying: “Our hearts are restless until they their rest in You.”
“Father, may my heart desire intimacy with You. May I not find rest until I hunger and thirst for closeness with You.”
**Note: Tomorrow more on Psalm 139 and intimacy.**
Growing up, I viewed God as a cosmic overlord that held the universe (or for the Marvel fans, the multi-verse). When I became a Christian, there was faith, as I studied and become more involved I grew closer to God and felt the relationship. It hasn’t been until the last few years where I have really felt an intamacy as you describe. I know there are still walls that must come down. I know there are hurdles that must be jumped, I know there are masks that must be removed. It is a process, probably a never ending one this side of heaven, but knowing what needs to happen is half the battle. Getting suited up with my armour and joining the fight is the other half.
It is a process of growth and change for sure Ryan. And you are so right that it begins with realizing it is a never ending battle but there is also a “warrior” element to it: putting on the armor. Thanks
Whether we realize it or not, I believe we all crave that true intimacy with God, Bill. He created us to seek Him fully in worship and in praise.
Blessings!
I most definitely agree Martha. There is no higher calling.
Father, even though my greatest desire is to be in an intimate relationship with you, I know that I need your help to accomplish that. In my own weakness, I will wonder, I will lose focus, Father please pull me back to You. Keep my heart, longing to be in step with Your desires, drawing closer to You, and farther from all other distractions.
Yo have stated well the key Gail. Staying in contact with the Father and asking for Him to pull you back when needed.