Intimacy is something that I think is misunderstood. In our society, intimacy is equated with sex. I believe that true intimacy occurs when we really get to know people, and we are known. We each long to be understood and accepted. If we can connect with others on more than just a superficial level, we can attain true intimacy. I think we can really experience God when we are honest with Him. He knows us and longs for us to know Him. Personally, intimacy is not something that occurs often. I have built a wall and not let many people in. I have let the wall down on a few occasions. I really need to know that a person cares for me and has no hidden agenda. They must want to know me and not want to get something from me. I know that I need to open up more. God has been working in my life to help me do this. I am a work in progress, and I can not wait to see what and who God will allow me to be friends with.
When we go through the valleys of life, it seems as if God is far away. I believe that is really just the opposite. It is in the valley that we truly see how much God cares for us. In Psalm 23, we see that God is with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. In Hebrews 13:6, we see that God is our helper, and we should not fear. For example, my family and I went to the mall this past week. As we were walking in the mall, I looked around, and I did not see my 6 year old daughter. I began to panic. I looked on both sides of me and asked my wife if she saw her. At that moment, I felt a hand tap me on the back. It was my daughter. She was right behind me all the time and I did not see her. I believe that it happens the same way with God. In our times of trouble, we look franticly for Him in the circumstances, but he is right behind us; pushing us on.
That is why I am glad that the Bible states in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave or forsake us.
-Randy Brown
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