Last night, I had this overwhelming desire to lay in bed with God. It was time to read and study but that was not what my heart wanted. I wanted intimacy. Just time to lay in the bed with Him and feel close to Him.
Many think of intimacy as a sexual encounter. But intimacy is so much more than that. Looking into the meaning of the word, I found a 3 part definition - 1. close familiarity or friendship; closeness; 2. a private cozy atmosphere; 3. an intimate act, especially sexual intercourse. The third part of the definition is actually the easiest to do. In this day and age, people have sexual relations with each other without knowing each other. However, the first 2 parts is where we find relationship.
Closeness. Being close to someone. Knowing their inner parts, their heart's desires. Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. When hearing this scripture, I initially missed my part in it. Yes, the Lord knows His plans for me because He created me. But for me to know those same plans, I've got to spend time with Him. I've got to be able to hear His voice and know when I'm hearing Him and not an imitator or myself. I've got to be intimately connected to God in such a way that I harken to His voice without delay or fear. This harkening can only be done when trust is involved and trust only comes with time well spent. Think about it? Whom do you trust the most with your heart? Why? If we truly take the time and think, the first person that comes to mind is the one that we've built a solid foundation with. Be it your parent, child, spouse/significant other, best friend, etc. You have built a relationship with this person that is steadfast. It has been nurtured and cared for. It has been battle tested and stood tall through the fire and storms. This is the relationship that God wants with us. He wants us to trust Him this way. He wants us to know that our trust in Him is steadfast and true.
A private cozy atmosphere. I thought for the slightest of seconds last night that I was crazy to want this intimate moment with God. Then I said to heck with the voice on the inside. This is what I want, this is what I'm getting tonight. It was late. The house was quiet. My bed was warm and cozy. I got under the covers and snuggled up the pillow as if I was snuggling up to a physical being. Then WHAM!!! Thoughts just kept trying to pop into my head from nowhere. Call this person. Pay this bill. Get the car check. Make sure T (my son) gets the oil changed in this car. I literally sat up and announced to the air - NO!!! Tonight is about me and God. All the rest will wait. Low and behold - they did. I snuggled back down under the covers and said Whew, God. These people, these thoughts. Why they so jealous!!! You may not believe it but I heard a chuckle that wasn't my own but made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. When I closed my eyes, the vision I saw was an arm wrapped around me. Mission complete. Intimacy achieved. My thoughts ceased and this overwhelming sense of contentment spread throughout my body.
Intimacy. Is that thing which we all need and can have easily but it is that which we have to battle for. Yet, this battle isn't your normal battle. It’s a mental battle. Freezing thoughts, actions, time, to spend with the one that loves you the Best. Try it!! Challenge: Tonight: quiet the house, quiet your mind, and get intimate with God. I'd be interested to see who takes the challenge and what happens.