One of the main things God lost in mankind’s rebellion is His intimacy with us (reign over and habitation in are the other two). God getting back what has been lost is the story of the Bible. In the end, He gets back all that was lost to Him in mankind’s fall from glory.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3
Intimacy with God is assured for those who will participate in His restorative work. The Father loves talking with His children. We should practice with Him, as much and as often as possible in our quite times, what we hope to experience in the busyness of our day: quiet and rest, conversation, receiving understanding and direction, listening for command, being slow to speak and quick to listen, etc.
Recently, I was asked to share how one might find greater intimacy with God… so I asked Him. Here’s what He had to say:
- Acknowledge something has to change – to yourself and to God. Humility is the beginning of everything.
- Ask God to affirm and increase the desire He has placed in your heart for intimacy with Him. That will become a heart-tie (because He wants it, too) that will draw you into His presence.
- Sacrifice time, attention, etc. in lesser things (e.g., news, social media, sleep) to invest time with Him.
- Practice intimacy, remembering you are the child. Share yourself transparently. Wait on Him.
Moreover, making time for God in the morning is of utmost importance. It is the “first fruit” offering of our day. He knows and appreciates the sacrifice this is for some of you. In Abiding in Christ, Andrew Murray (2003) puts it like this:
It is only when the believer in the morning secures his quiet time in secret to effectively renew loving fellowship with his Savior that abiding in Christ can be kept up all day.
The process of faith is the starting point in our pursuit of intimacy with God (as it is for every intimate involvement in God’s work). As we wait, quietly, He will speak – and then, the process begins.
- The hearing of faith (Romans 10:17). Our attitude should be, “God, what is your word for me today?” Or, “Lord Jesus, command me.”
- Obedience to the faith (Romans 16:25-27). This is choosing to be obedient to what you have heard, not the actual work (that’s comes next).
- The work of faith (James 2:26). God will give you opportunity to walk in the good work He has created for you (Ephesians 2:10) – by grace, through faith. This is the exercise of faith and intimacy in action.
God is a rewarder of those who seek Him in faith with their whole heart.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Here are three books that will help in your searching after intimacy with God:
Destined for the Throne (Billheimer) – Great motivation and teaching.
The PAPA Prayer (Crabb) – Good for paradigm shift (renewing your mind).
With Christ in the School of Prayer (Murray) – My number one give away for encouragement, edification, and the exercise of faith-filled prayer.
We are living in the days of distraction, discouragement, and deception. Find time with God by pulling away from the world’s distractions each and every morning. There you will enjoy His encouragement and receive the love of the truth which will save you from the deceptions of the evil one (and from the Great Falling Away).
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2Thessalonians 2:9-10
God bless you with grace and encouragement for increased intimacy with Him.
Have a strong day in the Lord (begin early),
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Murray, A. (2003). Abiding in Christ. Bloomington, MN; Bethany Houses Publishers