Advancement in knowledge in the area of technology, unraveling the archives of resources is affecting every facet of life toward engagement; likewise, understanding the commitment to a closer relationship with God is taking its turn. The man Paul wrote,” Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).
WHY AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
An intimate relationship with God was the goal at creation. Adam and Eve enjoyed the life with God at the establishment, benefited from the serene experience of His presence and being God’s creation. They enjoyed a lasting thrill in a greater magnitude than the knowledge of going on a cruise to the Bahamas along with many recreational experiences, which are only transient during the trip before coming back to face reality. This temporary calming experience after a vacation can become a lasting and daily refreshing lifestyle when one understands and live by the principles of an intimate relationship with God, which was the very goal at creation.
In illustrating an outcome of intimacy with the Almighty; there is the story of a king who announced an art contest. The theme for the competition was a painting that best describes peace.
Many artists from all over the world presented various masterpieces, of being in a castle, at the opera, and many impressive scenarios of peace the audience will applaud and speculate will win the competition.
The winner of the contest presented a picture that had mountains like the previous paintings, but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall; the crowd could almost feel a cold penetrating spray, and the scenery did not look peaceful at all, but when the king looked closely, he saw a little bird had built a nest on a branch of a tree. A tree that reached out in the direction of the tumultuous waterfall. There, amid the rush of angry water, undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, sat the mother bird in her best, in perfect peace. (Melanielibrary.com).
The man David described a similar scenario in his book of Psalms, chapter 23:
PSALM 23
A Psalm of David
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He takes me to lush pastures; he leads me to refreshing water.
He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.
Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.
You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh * my head with oil; my cup is completely full.
Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life (New English Translation).
The outcome of a consistent intimacy with God is to be lost in wonder and the praise of Him, regardless of the circumstances. The experience is divine and makes the individual on a close walk with Him become insensitive to alarming situations, except to present any problem unto God through prayers, “You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, World English Bible).
Many scriptural verses describe the experiences of the one who walks in the spirit (intimacy); for example, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24).
Hone Your Critical Thinking Skills!!!
The goal of man’s pursuit in life is similar to the expressions cited in the paragraphs preceding psalm 23 and after.
Are there other genuine sources of guaranteed ecstasy without a negative price to pay/substitute?