My heart broke as I watched my daughter sob uncontrollably after I raised my voice towards her in frustration to her response to me. Then, I caught myself and asked, "What is upsetting this child?" Why do our children cry when we become angry with them? Then, the Lord spoke to me and said, "She equates her worth to your response towards her." I realized that my daughter felt thought that I had stopped loving her when I raised my voice. After calming my daughter down and reassuring her that "mommy loves you and mommy will never stop loving you" and explaining to that my response to her behavior will never change my love for her, I couldn't get that encounter out of my mind. How that little episode mirrors human relationships in all walks of life. How we bring our human relational baggage into our relationship with Father God, our Creator.
I am on a quest to find the truth. I need to know. What does God think about me?
What is intimacy?
Oftentimes, an artist forms a masterpiece in their mind and works diligently on a lump of clay to bring the work of beauty to life. From an outsider's position, the work is garbage at best until the artist lops off clay, piece by piece until their vision becomes that reality. Clay is not garbage, however, after seeing the masterpiece, it is evident that the pieces laying on the floor has only been a hindrance to its full potential.
Just like that artist, removing clay to reveal the hidden treasure, I will attempt to reveal what intimacy is by removing what it is not.
Myth # 1. Intimacy is not a feeling.
The word intimacy is the substance of the adjective intimate. The word intimate is derived from two Latin words, intimus and atus.
Intimus is defined as inmost; most secret
Atus is a past participle suffix
Intimate is described as characterized by a close or warm personal relationship, deeply personal, private, or secret, having a deep or unusual knowledge of, of deep knowledge, and of or relating to the essential part or nature of something
We have mostly correlated intimacy to a feeling of the moment, usually in sexual terms; however, this is very misleading and oftentimes detrimental to our relationships with each other and ultimately with God. The emotions that we "feel" in an moment is the RESULT of an intimate relationship. An intimate relationship is rooted and grounded in a deep and true knowledge of the subject at hand.
The reason why many people "date around" or go through relationship after relationship is because there has not been a commitment to developing true intimacy with the other person and the focus has instead been on recreating an emotional feeling that comes and passes with the wind.
True intimacy always begins with the knowledge of who we are, who others are, and ultimately who God is. Why is it important to understand who God is? Because He is our Creator and Source.
When someone buys a new gadget or toy, that manufactured item comes with instructions or a manual. That manual is written in detail with intimate knowledge of the product by the manufacturer. The manual oftentimes includes information on what the product is made of, what parts and pieces are in the product, what to do to troubleshoot if there is a problem with the product, and contact information if help is needed concerning the product.
This concept is borrowed from our Creator who has written a manual about us, mankind. He explains who we are, what we are made of, what our purpose is, how to find answers if there are problems, and Who to go to if there is a problem.
I challenge you to make a committment (seek) to learn who you are. I promise you, this commitment will lead to your Source (God), result in healing (all areas of your life), and restore intimacy in your life.
God's Love Letter
My Dear Precious child,
Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb, I sanctified (set apart, appointed/chose,) you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations. I have made you in My image, after My likeness and you will have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
I love you.
Your Father,
God
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