Intimacy

Intimacy: (Session 4)

Pray

Read Zephaniah 3:14-17 

 

The key to intimacy with Christ is learning to receive from Him, until it is on a moment by moment basis.  That requires trust and can only be learned by faith with time and practice. That is also the key to intimacy with others: trust, i.e. learning to trust each other by putting faith in each other as we come to know one another.  We give each other the benefit of the doubt when misunderstandings come.  We must learn to receive love from God and from others.  In this time, however, you must not minister to each other.  You must only receive from God in this session.  That’s because the first key to intimacy with others is intimacy with Christ.  Thus you must sit back and receive.  Learning to receive from God and therefore also from others is part of giving all the glory to Christ, instead of trying to take control or do it our own way.  That is the best way to exalt Him on a daily basis.  Jesus perfectly trusted His Father and was thus very intimate with Him, which is His most important quality for us to imitate.  This session is also closely connected with the last one, understanding Grace and Truth, but we will go beyond understanding and into experiencing these truths by receiving the delight the LORD has for us!

Often there are wounds that we receive even from childhood that cause us to ask the question, “Is God really good?”  That is the question that the serpent asked mankind in the garden at the beginning. If God is good, why would He keep something from you?  Why would He let this happen to you?

Often these wounds come from our family of origin. And unfortunately these wounds affect our relationship and intimacy with God. If an earthly father was distant or abusive, it is difficult not to assume that God the Father will also be distant or abusive.  If a brother or sister was hateful, it will be difficult to connect with God the Son, who is our eldest brother.  Interestingly, in my pastoral care, I’ve noticed that those who’ve had a difficult relationship with their mother can sometimes struggle to trust the Holy Spirit.  That is not to teach that the Holy Spirit is the great mother God to us, but that indeed He is like a mother to us in that He teaches and nurtures us along the way. The chart below puts this in a positive way:

 

If a father figure did not give identity, protection or provision, God does. If a sibling or friend acted hatefully towards us, Jesus has most certainly demonstrated His love on the Cross and in His Resurrection. If a mother was distant or abusive, the Holy Spirit nurtures and teaches us in love.

 

Person of God	Needs:	Family Member:
God the Father	Body: Identity Protection Provision	Dad
God the Son Jesus our Brother	Soul: Companionship Communication	Siblings/Friends
God the Holy Spirit	Spirit: Comfort Nurture Teaching	Mom

 

 

Practice soaking prayer by listening to a worship song and allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart about how He is the One who fills whatever void you have in your life. He is your Father, Brother and like a Mother to you also.

 

Assignment:  Allow someone to do something for you if they offer to.  Continue meditating on God’s love for you and spend some time simply receiving from Him, not asking, interceding for others, or anything but receiving.   

Prayer