Intimacy

Intimacy begins with knowing God and knowing His character. Even though I grew up in a Christian home, I could not understand God’s instructions for sexual purity, because I didn’t really know Him. I knew about Him, and talked to Him and read His Word, but I was yet to really know who He was - His character.

Let’s discover what His Word says about knowing Him and intimacy with Him. Some words that speak of physical intimacy in the Bible are: ‘to know’ and ‘to unite’ or ‘cleave’. Scriptures where these words are used give clues into what spiritual intimacy means to God!

To Know: Physical Intimacy

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife [...].” Genesis 4:1a (NKJV)

To Know: Spiritual Intimacy

“But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:17b (NIV)

“But now that you know God—or rather are known by God [...].” Galatians 4:9a (NIV)

The Hebrew word yada speaks of an intimate knowledge - a deeper knowledge than simply head knowledge. The Greek word ginóskó speaks of knowing to the utmost. (Strong's Concordance 3045 and 1097)

To Unite: Physical Intimacy

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

To Unite: Spiritual Intimacy

“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

The Hebrew word dabaq means to cling, cleave, and keep close. The Greek equivalent word is kollaó and means to to join oneself to; or fasten firmly together; to form an intimate connection with, enter into the closest relations with, unite oneself to; to give oneself steadfastly to. (Strong's Concordance 1692 and 2853)

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Jesus began to show me what it means for me to live as His Bride (which all His people are, as One Body; see Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 19:7). He showed me how I had been living as ‘spiritually single’, and what it now meant to live as one who is completely and perfectly loved; completely and perfectly cared for.

He was answering my prayer from age 19 where I desired to know intimacy with Him before I got married. He knew that deeper than my desire to be married asap was my desire to know intimacy with Him before marriage, and to bring that into my marriage - to know intimacy with Jesus as the steadfast foundation in my life regardless of marital status.

In the Intensive 55 Day PureHeart Challenge (linked in Day 5), I share in depth the ways that this intimacy showed up in my life over a one-year period.

Talk with Jesus

Prayer: I believe Your Word that You love me. As I look back over our relationship, bring to my remembrance specific ways that You have shown me Your love. I ask for a fresh revelation of Your love, desire, delight for me.

• What are You speaking to me about spiritual intimacy? How are You leading me to respond to Your love?