Wednesday, 24 March 2021

INTIMACY WITH GOD - OUR GREATEST AND MOST REWARDING PURSUIT - PART 2

Psalm 63:2-9

"(63-2) O God! You are my God, I am looking for you; My soul is thirsty for you, my body sighs after you, in an arid, parched land, without water. (63-3) Thus I contemplate you in the sanctuary, to see your power and glory. (63-4) For your goodness is better than life: My lips celebrate your praises. (63-5) So I will bless you all my life, I will raise my hands in your name. (63-6) My soul will be satiated like fat and succulent dishes, and with cries of joy on your lips, my mouth will celebrate you. (63-7) When I think of you on my diaper, I meditate on you during the night's eves. (63-8) For you are my helper, and I am in joy in the shadow of your wings. (63-9) My soul is attached to you; Your right supports me." (LSG


II. UNDERSTANDING THE INTIMATE WITH GOD

To help us understand what closeness to the Lord looks like, let's examine the writings of David, whom the Bible calls a man according to God's heart. Psalm 63:2-9 gives a vivid description of his devouring passion for his Lord.


A. GOD'S DESIRE. 

The most obvious element in this Psalm is a thirst and a desire for the Lord (v2). Any other pursuit in life seems like a dry desert in relation to the realization of an intimate relationship with God. Our souls and minds will never know the satisfaction that one discovers in thejoy ofdevotion that Only He can fill our void (v6). David's passion even had a physical element: "my body sighs after you" (v2). Sometimes, those who have a particularly close connection with the Lord always want more from Him.


B. AWAKENING THE SPIRITUAL SENSES. 

The second aspect of David's deep association with God is his ability to see (v3). One of the results of this closeness is the awakening of our spiritual senses. As we learn to know Him more deeply, we "see" The One who is invisible. Our understanding of His nature and Ways increases considerably, the Scriptures become alive and now have meaning, and a new sense of discernment keeps our minds. With this spiritual sensitivity comes the distinct knowledge that everything comes from the Lord and not from us.


C. NEW VALUES AND PRIORITIES.

Soon, our relationship with God becomes the best thing in our lives and takes precedence over everything else (vv. 4-5) . No other prosecution is more pre-pre-suit. All the goods, power, pleasures and prestige offered by this world are empty after experiencing the fullness of knowing the Lord.


D. SATISFACTION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT.

It captures our thoughts and emotions(vv. 6-7) . Do you remember what it is like to be in love? No one had to tell you to think of your beloved; your thoughts automatically flew towards him. That is what happens when you love the Savior. The joy of being in His presence satisfies us as nothing else can.


E. CONFIDENCE AND DEPENDENCE.

God becomes our refuge in the storms of life when we hide under his protective wings and cling to Him in total dependence (vv. 8-9). Those who know the intimacy with Him feel the security that comes with submission to His will. As soon as they know His heart and confine in His goodness and His wisdom, they have no reason to be afraid. 


Who would not want such a rich and rewarding experience with the Lord? But this will not happen automatically or accidentally. Just consider how human relationships develop. Intimate friendships are not instantaneous, they must be cultivated over time. In the same way, spiritual unity with the Almighty must be actively pursued.

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