In Genesis 4:26, the birth of Seth marks the beginning of people calling upon the name of the Lord. This isn’t mere coincidence; it symbolises a divine link between Seth’s birth and the initiation of calling upon God’s name, signifying the end of an era of silence and argument from man. The declaration that “Enoch walked with God” resonates deeply, conveying the essence of an intimate and close relationship with the Almighty.
Enoch’s story vividly illustrates the inseparable link between intimacy with God and the act of calling upon His name. Calling upon God is deeply rooted in our capacity for intimacy with Him. True intimacy demands a continuous and unwavering connection, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 91:1, which speaks of dwelling in the secret place.
Elijah, a powerhouse of effectiveness and power, drew his strength from a steadfast commitment to stand before God. His resolute proclamation, “the Lord God before whom I stand,” reveals a life dedicated to God’s presence. Dwelling in the secret place goes beyond mere visits; it signifies making God’s presence a permanent abode, a metaphor for a close and unbroken relationship.
Harmonizing the concept of consistency in God’s presence with walking in the spirit and truth, as highlighted in John 4:4, emphasizes living a life guided by the Holy Spirit and aligning with God’s Word. This underscores the spiritual dimension of our relationship with God.
Consistently dwelling in the secret place and walking in the spirit and truth affirm that intimacy leads to transformation. Those who walk with God can anticipate a profound impact on their lives, discouraging a superficial or occasional approach to spiritual practices.
True intimacy with God demands a continuous, consistent, and intentional relationship, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Elijah and principles outlined in passages such as Psalm 91:1 and John 4:4. It surpasses mere emotional experiences, extending to deliberate and intentional closeness with Him.
Intimacy with God is intricately linked to characteristics such as confidence, competence, security, and protection. It becomes a source of confidence, assuring individuals of their identity as God’s beloved. Through a close relationship with the Almighty, believers can develop spiritual competence and effectiveness in their endeavours.
Closely connected individuals trust in God, experiencing a deep sense of security and knowing that God is in control and will provide for their needs. Intimacy with God serves as a refuge, offering protection from life’s challenges, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
Consistently dwelling in the secret place ensures the assurance of God’s continual presence, providing refuge and protection. Elijah’s statement in 1 Kings 18:1 illustrates how a consistent presence before God results in supernatural protection and provision.
The impact of intimacy means lives are transformed internally and externally, contributing to a confident and secure disposition. The depth of one’s intimacy with God influences positive characteristics such as confidence, competence, security, and protection in the life of a believer.
Intimacy grows the experiential love of God!
God’s love is not contingent on human performance or worthiness. It is an enduring, unconditional love that calls for a reciprocal response from His people, but it grows in the place of intimacy. God’s love is inherently unconditional and unchanging; however, the experience and depth of that love can indeed grow in the place of intimacy.
The Bible teaches that God’s love is not dependent on our actions or worthiness. It is freely given and extended to humanity despite our imperfections and failures. This foundational understanding is reflected in verses like 1 John 4:19, which highlights that we love God because He first loved us.
Unconditional Nature of God’s Love:
Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV): “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Romans 8:38–39 (NIV): “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
While God’s love is constant, the depth of our experience of that love can be profoundly enriched through intimacy with Him. Intimacy involves a close, personal relationship, deep knowing, and being known. As individuals draw nearer to God, spending time in prayer, worship, studying His Word, and cultivating a relationship with Him, they may experience a deepening awareness of God’s love.
Intimacy with God:
James 4:8 (NIV): “Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Psalm 63:1-3 (NIV): “You, God, are my God; earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you; my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV): “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
The reciprocal response to God’s love involves actively seeking Him, desiring closeness, and responding to His overtures of love. This response is not an effort to earn God’s love but a natural outflow of a heart transformed by His unconditional love. It is a response to gratitude, love, and a desire for a more profound connection.
Reciprocal Response to God’s Love:
1 John 4:10 (NIV): “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
John 14:15 (NIV): “If you love me, keep my commands.”
Psalm 37:4 (NIV): “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
The growth in intimacy contributes to spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God’s character. In this process, individuals may come to know God’s love not just as a theological concept but as a personal reality that shapes their identity and influences how they love others.
In essence, while God’s love is unchanging and unconditional from His side, our capacity to fully grasp, experience, and respond to that love can grow as we cultivate intimacy with Him. It’s a beautiful dynamic where the depth of the relationship enhances the richness of the love experienced, leading to a more profound understanding of God’s immeasurable love.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk