Read: Galatians 2:20-21"In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul." - Psalm 94:19
Many people tend to look for fulfillment in human relationships, pets, jobs, hobbies, trips, wealth and fame. We have a higher level of intimacy waiting for us apart from these things, and even in spite of them (Proverbs 3:32).
No source outside of our self can bring us this lasting contentment. Nothing this earth offers can gratify this urgency for intimacy, which we feel; nor can it match the level of intimacy that we have possible with Christ within us (John 14:17). I love my life, and no person, place, thing, animal nor experience brings me the deep, abiding fulfillment, which I enjoy every day!
This is because no earthly relationship can come from WITHIN us. Christ in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Only our relationship with the Lord of love, living and dwelling inside of us, can bring us this level of fulfillment. The Lord takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4). Our soul clings to Him and is satisfied with who He is and what He provides (Psalm 63:8). Eternal life is ours, once we intimately know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (John 17:34).
This is one truth that the devil does not want us to embrace. However, the power of Christ within us is stronger than the deception Satan uses to discourage or distract us (1 John 4:4). If we place our focus on seeking the Lord and on living in His presence on a moment-by-moment basis, all the days of our life will be filled with delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating on His goodness (Psalm 27:4).
It is only in the quiet place within our spirit, that we experience a profound sense of love, joy, and peace like none other our earthly existence can offer. Christ’s presence in us even affects our physical health, as well as our soul and spirit (Romans 8:11).
When worldly hostility bombards us, our hearts are tempted to faint within us. We do have the option of sharing this pain, frustration, and sorrow on a human level with friends and family. They, however, will only sympathize with us or sermonize about our feelings. Yet, only in the still small place within our spirit can we find true empathy, solace, healing and redemption from the God who loves us more than He loves Himself.
When we enter this "inner closet," we strip away all inner and outer clutter. We empty ourselves of our “self” and focus solely on the voice of our Beloved. We bask in the rays of His comfort and direction. Just think about this for a moment. Our Creator, our Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth wants to be our husband (Isaiah 54:5). How incredible is that!
How can we enter this place of tranquility? At the moment of salvation, God come to abide in us (1 John 4:16). His unfailing love rests upon us as we put our hope in Him (Psalm 33:22). His love toward us is greater than we can ever imagine (Psalm 86:13). The eternal God is our dwelling place, and underneath us are His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). We only need to taste and see that the Lord is good, and how blessed we truly are to have the opportunity to take our refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8).
When we enter into this place of intimacy with God, He shows us the way of life, and grants us the joy of His presence and the pleasure of living with Him forever more (Psalm 16:11). He is our hiding place; He protects us from trouble and surrounds us with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7). God is waiting for YOU, and He is only a prayer away (Jeremiah 33:3).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we humans do everything we can to avoid intimacy with You. We get so caught up in our relationships, possessions, accomplishments, vocation and ministry that we allow these earthly goals to crowd out our intimate times with You. Once we take advantage of your loving embrace and spend this intimate time with You, then we can continue in the life to which You called us with renewed power to meet the needs within our own life, as well as in the life of those You send our way. We can forgive, nurture, empathize, and minister to ourselves and others by Your strength and the direction of Your Holy Spirit. This is fulfilling indeed!
Thought for the Day:
The depth of intimacy we experience with God is the most nourishing experience of our lives. It affirms our very existence.
