Editors Note: As Given the Time Daily Devotional contributors have shared their hearts and stories this month on the spiritual transforming work God has been doing in their hearts to draw them closer to Himself and align their lives with that of Jesus Christ. It is evident that each of these women have sought a level of intimacy with God as their Heavenly Father.
This week, our writers will continue sharing how they have battled fears, anxieties, trust issues and guilt to discover abundant joy in an intimate relationship with God as their Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as the Lover of their Soul, and security and comfort from the Holy Spirit as He guided them with wisdom to intimacy.
Intimacy:
1. the state of being intimate.
2. a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.
3. a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of a place, subject, period of history, etc.: an intimacy with Japan.
4. an act or expression serving as a token of familiarity, affection, or the like: to allow the intimacy of using first names.
5. an amorously familiar act; liberty.
(Definition from online dictionary)
Repeatedly God’s Word tells us that He loves us. John 3:16 is a verse familiar to many, but from the beginning He has sought to assure us of His great love. (Deu 7:8). Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us that God says He has “loved us with an everlasting love.”
It is easy for me to wrap my brain around the concept of God loving me in theory, but in practical application in my life and acknowledging that love personally means I open myself up to share intimately with Him. But what does intimacy look like? What will I experience with intimacy? What does God expect of me if I am to draw close and have an “affectionate and loving personal relationship” with Him? Is there certain responsibilities that go with being spiritually transformed into an intimate relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ?
Oh, Father God, I long for a close, personal relationship with you. At the same time, the thought of being transparent and open with You is frightening. Oh, I know you are omnipotent and omnipresent—I can’t escape You. It is me that I am afraid of. Walk with me through this time of transformation Lord God that I might learn it is safe to be intimate with You and that You will hold me close as I learn to be intimate with myself. I love you, Lord. Amen
