Intimacy

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

What is your definition of intimacy? I recently read a phrase that wraps it up for me, into-me-see. Does that sound about right? Being intimate with someone is the closest thing two people can share - either emotionally, or physically.

As humans, we crave intimacy, but I believe most of us struggle to find it.

We long for close friendships, only to find most of them superficial.

We marry our soul mates, and then years later wonder why we aren't as intimate (or close) as we used to be.

When first saved, most new believers can't get enough time with God, but after years of being a Christian, many of us are crying out for God to ignite the flame that once burned bright. As if we need a new wick.

So how do we capture and maintain intimacy, with our spouse, our friends, and most importantly with God?

Perhaps we achieve true intimacy two ways.

First, we need to learn to be transparent - yes that means becoming more vulnerable.

Second, spend time together. The more time two people spend together, the more they begin to resemble one another, and the more they desire to be together.

Seems simple enough, so what's stopping us? Life. Busyness.

Purpose in your heart to spend time with God, and then with those you want to be more intimate with. It takes a lot of work and persistence to become intimate and keep the flame burning. The end result - relationships that are fulfilling and fruitful.

Independence

July the 4th is just around the corner. Everyone is talking about their plans to celebrate this great American holiday. Most families are planning a cookout, fireworks, and fellowship. No doubt, fun for all who chose to celebrate.


Before long my youngest child was asking me about this holiday, and inquiring about the meaning of Independence Day. While I know full well what the 4th of July represents for America, I began to ponder the word independence.

According to www.dictionary.com, the definition for independence is: Freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

Can you see where I'm going with this? As Christians, we should be celebrating our independence from this world. The world we live in is powerful, and it's influence and control are far reaching. But as followers of Christ, we should be emulating Jesus, not this world.

I also found it intriguing that part of the definition is "support, and aid." Okay that one has me. I do look to the world for support (financially and going to doctors). I also turn to wrong worldly things to console me when I'm down (food). I definitely need to work on the area of support from the wrong source.

This 4th of July, have fun and celebrate our independence from other countries, but also remember to be independent from the pulls of this world.