Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are going to talk about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, like a dad to a daughter, a mother to her son, a husband to a wife, or God to us.
The best way to remember what intimacy means is to just say the word by its syllables. In-to-me-see. Intimacy is allowing someone to see your heart, who you truly are. No hiding. Being honest.
Love, especially God’s love, allows us to get close to people and then grow in that closeness. We often call this a “two-way street” as in this kind of closeness takes each one to work on the relationship and get closer. When this happens in a healthy manner, love grows, closeness comes, and intimacy deepens. Let’s look at one short, simple verse that talks about intimacy with God and makes a powerful promise.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
When we first read this verse, we can misunderstand the meaning, as if God is saying, “You make the first move and then I’ll respond to you.” But we have to remember this verse was written after Jesus had died on the cross and was resurrected. God has already made the first move toward us through Christ. Now, He is saying when you reach out to me, because of Jesus, we can immediately be close, just like Jesus was close with the Father.
With that thought in mind, let’s read this verse one more time.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT)
Let’s paraphrase the verse this way, “Whenever you choose to be close to God, He is already there, waiting, ready to receive you.” That is real intimacy, when someone is always there for you, no matter what.
Here’s a question to think about …
How do you think you can know God is close to you?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise You will be close to me, that You will say, “in-to-me-see”. Help me to trust You and always respond with, ‘God, in-to-me-see.’ As above, so below.”