Spiritual Intimacy

Written by Kiwi Bielenberg

It was summer of my 9th grade year, and I sat in a Montana field, surrounded by white daisies and mountains. I had eagerly awaited this youth trip to Camp Christikon, watching the older youth group kids before me….now it was finally my turn this year. Up early for breakfast and cabin clean up, I sat in this field and spotted a favorite camp counselor named Kris. Each morning I saw her head up a mountain trail with a guitar on her back, Bible in hand, and no one else with her. It wasn’t abnormal to see a guitar-slinging, flannel-wearing, “cool” counselor, but she was different. Each morning she hiked up that trail and I wondered where she went. Conversations with Kris and time in God’s Word throughout the week introduced me to the sweet realization of His desire to spend intimate time with me. Something in my life shifted that summer. Kris modeled the core of worship, and God infused His Truth of desiring an intimate relationship with His creation.

Revelation 21:3 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’” Another word for ‘dwelling place’ in Scripture is ‘tabernacle’ (tent)—reminding us of God’s desire to dwell among His people and fellowship with them, developing spiritual intimacy with us as we worship.

Just like in an intimate earthly relationship, the more we trust someone, the closer we let them get to us and the deeper that relationship becomes. The Lord desires His worshipers to experience Trust in the Father as we wait on Him and get to know that intimate heartbeat. Scripture demonstrates that God is intimate with those who trust Him.

Are there areas in your life that you’re struggling to trust the Father? The trials that ‘test our faith’ are invitations to draw near to Him and enjoy that intimacy He promises. What fears are holding you back from taking the next step of intimate fellowship with Him? As you spend time in the Word and worship this week, ask the Lord for His Holy Spirit power that breaks through fears and takes the risk of trusting.

“But as for me, it is good to be near God.” -Psalm 73:28

Deeper intimacy awaits!