“We are made for intimacy with God. He wants intimacy with us. That intimacy requires communication. God speaks to His people.”- John Eldredge
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ “- Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV)
As John Eldredge concludes the Prelude section of Walking with God, he states God knows us very intimately (emphasis John’s). Most importantly, though, God seeks intimacy with us. Furthermore, John explains how intimacy with God forms the purpose of our lives:
“It’s why God created us. Not simply to believe in him, though that is a good beginning. Not only to obey him, through that is a higher life still. God created us for intimate fellowship with himself, and in doing so established the goal of our existence . . .”
However, our walk with God takes time and practice. Also, it’s something to be learned- and worth learning. In addition, John writes, transformation occurs at the juncture where your heart and will meet. Yet, you don’t possess the strength or responsibility to make life happen on your own. Since Christ takes it upon Himself to lead, your part is to follow.
In conclusion, John explains the good news of our transformation. He writes:
“Whatever else might be going on in your life, God always has his eye on your transformation. . . . All of the other things we long for in life — love and friendship, freedom and wholeness, clarity of purpose, all the joy we long for — it all depends on our restoration.”
Thus, in order to be truly happy, we must be whole- holy- restored.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you foster intimacy with God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When the sheep follow the shepherd”
