“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11
Merriam Webster defines intimacy as a closeness, a close familiarity or friendship. It is possible to spend our whole lives growing up in the church, attending church services on Sunday morning and evenings, attend Wednesday night bible class, attend youth rallies, participate in life groups, etc., but never obtain true intimacy with God. Intimacy is often thought of in a romantic relationship, perhaps the early days of a dating relationship where a couple is growing to know each other. Yet, I challenge you to think of intimacy in a new light. Think of growing your intimacy with God.
As you would grow intimacy with a partner, the best way to grow in your relationship, your closeness, or even your friendship with God is by spending time with Him. This can be done through prayer, meditation, reading His Word, or even through worship with fellow believers. God will reveal himself, and reveal his character to his people through His Scriptures. If you want to know Christ, you must take the effort to get to know him, which isn’t an easy tasks that comes overnight. It takes time and commitment, as it would for any relationship. To know Christ, to know the power of his resurrection, to be an active participant in his sufferings, and to become like him in his death, you must put in the time and work to understand Christ. There is no better way to do so than to read Scripture and to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you.
In order to truly know your Creator, look at what he reveals to you through Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament you can learn about his need for justice, how he is a rock in times of trouble, and how he keeps true on his promises. Throughout the New Testament you can learn so much about his character, as he became flesh and as Jesus walked the earth that we do today. Intimacy doesn’t happen immediately, but begin today to grow an intimate relationship with God by spending quality time getting to know your Creator.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I desire to know you on a more intimate level. Let your Hoy Spirit guide me in my desire for my knowledge about your character and your Word. Lord, come near to me in a closeness that I have never known, but am willing to work for.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Add Comment