Intimacy

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we

should be called children of God; and so we are.

The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

1 John 3:1

Depression and anxiety may make things difficult when facing a relationship with yourself, and with other people as well. The symptoms of depression and anxiety may make it hard to feel connected to others, or feel loved at times. A place to start is in a relationship that you have with Him. A relationship with Him will feed other intimate relationships that are later formed. The relationship that you have with yourself can also be clouded when experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It may be difficult to have an intimate relationship with Him and yourself when experiences of depression and anxiety are making you believe that you don't deserve this.

Intimate does not only mean romantic and sexual. Intimate is a relationship level in which you feel completely at peace and connected to another or yourself. So often intimacy is made to suggest boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse. But imagine a case in which you can feel completely whole and connected to yourself, a friend, a caregiver, a mentor, a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend... God.

God desires a relationship with each of you. He knows you by the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). He searches for you (John 10:16). He calls you each by name (Isaiah 43:1-5). He knit you together, your innermost being (Psalm 139:13). He shared to Jeremiah about knowing him before he was born, before he was formed in his mother's womb and set apart to be a prophet for His nations (Jeremiah 1:5). These are the examples of the intimate relationship that He has with you. These are examples of the intimate level in which He desires to have a relationship with you. These verses also remind you of the purpose that you have in His life because you were thought out, planned, desired, and known.

Intimacy grows through actions. It grows through the act of spending time with someone, getting to know them, and opening up to them. Intimacy is a mutual experience. It is an experience that can only develop and strengthen through two or more people committing to it. Today intimacy has been shadowed as being a secret, something to hide, something to keep private. God doesn't want your intimacy with Him to be private.

Depression and anxiety at times may make you feel like you don't deserve an intimate relationship with Him. This is the furthest from the truth. Not only do you deserve an intimate relationship with Him, He created you for one.

Scripture:

1 John 3:1

Luke 12:7

John 10:16

Isaiah 43:1-5

Psalm 139:13

Jeremiah 1:5

Reflection:

How would you describe your relationship with Him?

How do you want it to be more intimate?

What keeps you from having an intimate relationship with Him?

How would you describe other relationships in your life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I seek you. I seek to know you the way that you know me. I pray for my heart and for others so that they may know that you desire a relationship with them. That you have designed them for a relationship with you. Father, as you have called me to be your child. I know that you have called others to be your children. I pray that depression and anxiety are not keeping others from you, and that if depression and anxiety are keeping others from you. I pray that you may heal those parts so that they may have an intimate relationship with you their father. I pray this in your son's name. Amen.