The Elusive Intimacy with God
Growing up in a Christian household, I was taught that God desires a personal connection with me, not just a rigid adherence to religious practices. Yet, I struggled to comprehend how to cultivate this relationship with an invisible deity. While I understood the concept intellectually, my heart wrestled to grasp it. My relationship with God felt more like a checklist of obligations, driven by guilt and duty rather than a deep longing.
Beyond the Checklist
The guidelines I was given weren’t meant to be a mere to-do list, but rather a means to foster a deeper love for God. Without a genuine connection, these practices become empty gestures, lacking true significance. If you, like me, have struggled to experience intimacy with God, I urge you to let go of the checklist mentality and simply BE with Him. He invites you to grab hold of this incredible relationship, to desire Him for who He is, not just because you feel obligated.
Reframing Our Approach
Imagine asking yourself, “Is this what I would want in a relationship?” Would you want a friend or spouse to feel forced to spend time with you? Why would God be any different? Reading the Bible and praying are wonderful practices, but only if they stem from a genuine desire to connect with God. If you’re doing them solely to check them off your list, you’re missing the mark.
A Deeper Longing
May we cry out to God, “Put within us a burning desire to WANT to be with You, not because we know we should, but because we simply desire You.” May we be satisfied with nothing less. As we seek to deepen our relationship with God, may we remember that He longs for our hearts, not just our actions.
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