Protecting Intimacy with God

God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden. The term "garden" originates from a word meaning "enclosed space." Within this garden, trees bearing delightful and nourishing fruits grew to sustain Adam. The word "shama," translated as "keep" in English, more accurately means "to encircle with a fence." Thus, Adam's duty was to safeguard and nurture his bond with God. True intimacy stems from the dedication we invest in a relationship. We must shield this bond, for adversaries seek to sever it.

Adam's connection with God was conversational. This exchange was of paramount importance to God. He endeavored tirelessly to rekindle this bond with His offspring. The pinnacle of His efforts was bestowing His Spirit upon each of His children.

Do you feel connected with the Holy Spirit?

Do you converse with Him?

Do you heed His words?

When communication falters or vanishes, relationships deteriorate, intimacy becomes elusive, and estrangement ensues. The most profound loss Adam experienced was his communion with God. Fear and shame supplanted peace and love.

What's noteworthy is the straightforward nature of God's relationship with Adam. Adam's purpose was clear: to reign over creation, proliferate, and tend to the garden. He had but one directive: refrain from partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

In a state of true communion and intimacy, there's no need for an exhaustive list of rules. We instinctively sense what distresses the other. If I must explicitly state what causes me pain, it indicates the other is oblivious to my anguish. They've lost that connection with me.

Cultivating and safeguarding your intimacy with God will streamline your spiritual journey, granting you access to His bounty. You'll bask in His affection, untempted by the enemy's allure, for nothing compares to God's presence. It's when we drift from God that our souls yearn for substitutes for His love. Shield your bond with God from distractions, anxieties, and trivial desires.

In the sanctuary of communion with God, fruits of peace, joy, creativity, security, identity, and rest flourish.

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalms 36:8-10 (NIV 21)

God's communication with humanity remains unbroken, and you can attune yourself to discern His voice within your spirit. I invite you to experience the first 7 days of the Audio Guide, "Listening to God' voice." You can download it here.

Blessings,

David Théry

Practical Insights for Encountering God