The Heart of Intimacy
Jesus envisions His house as a sacred space for prayer, but have we missed the second part of the equation? In Matthew 21:13, He rebukes the temple desecrators, saying, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” As God gazes upon our lives, what thieves does He see lurking in the shadows (Jeremiah 7:11)? What distracts us from passionately pursuing a deep connection with Him?
The Robbers of Intimacy
Is it our hectic pace or divided attention? Perhaps it’s our religious busyness or a heart torn in multiple directions. Whatever the thief, it’s essential to identify and confront it. After all, if we knew Jesus was present in our lives, wouldn’t we prioritize our time with Him?
The Busyness Trap
We often mistake activity for accomplishment, piling up a mountain of wood, hay, and stubble – endeavors that aren’t part of God’s plan. In our frantic pursuit of productivity, we risk forfeiting intimacy with God. We become like Martha, lost in a whirlwind of tasks, further and further behind.
A New Path
Imagine asking yourself, “What did I choose yesterday that cannot be taken away?” How would Mary respond to that question? Perhaps it’s time to commit to seeking fellowship with God daily, dedicating more time to two-way conversation with Him. Praise Him, read a gospel or epistle passage, reflect on it, and pray it back to Him. You have the undivided attention of the One who is Truth and the Transforming One, with all the time in the world.
Beyond Production-Oriented
Our fast-paced culture often prioritizes speed over substance. But this isn’t a time for speed reading. Instead, we can ask God to grant us the gift of reading slowly, as John Piper does. We can echo Charles Spurgeon’s heartfelt prayer: “Thou hast made me, be pleased to new-make me. I am thy work, complete me; I am thy harp, tune me; I am thy child, teach me.”
Responding to God’s Wooing
Will you make Spurgeon’s heart cry your own? Will you respond to God’s gentle invitation to be more conscious of His presence than ever before? Will you take another step on your journey, hungering intensely for God, walking in His Spirit? Will you offer Him an undivided heart, undistracted attention, and unhurried time as you pursue intimacy with God in the beauty of His presence?
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