That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You… And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one… John 17:21-23, NKJV

Imagine yourself standing on a warm sandy shore. The sun is dancing on the shimmering surf where water and sky converge. The oscillating waves are enveloping your feet. Revitalizing mist entices you to step closer – until you immerse yourself completely in the cool satisfying deep. When I reflect on scenes like this, I often consider my relationship with God. Am I standing on the safe shore or do I strive for deeper intimacy – immersing myself completely in Him?

In today’s broken world, regrettably, many believers, after receiving Christ as Saviour, fail to cultivate their relationship with Him; consequently, they never experience deep fulfilling intimacy with God. In first-century Judea, intimacy with God was not seen as stagnant, but flowing and incremental – depending on the person’s willingness to deepen the relationship. In Scripture, Jesus reiterates this by progressively calling His followers servants, friends, sons and daughters, and eventually, His bride – each term depicting a deep level of devotion and intimacy.

Our relationship with God, like our earthly relationships, either thrives or dies, depending on how we nurture it. Relationship with God begins with salvation, but as the relationship matures, and we surrender to His will and ways, we discover and experience a deeper satisfying intimacy – an intimacy that restores and reflects the unity Jesus envisioned for us: “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one.” May He give you the courage to step off life’s comfortable sandy shore and to immerse yourself fully in Him – life’s living water – the all-sufficient satisfying deep.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing me. Forgive me if I have isolated myself from You. Reveal to me the distractions and obstacles preventing me from experiencing a deeper relationship with you. Give me the wisdom and the courage to surrender myself daily to Your word, will, and way, regardless of the cost. Amen.

Take Action

Ask yourself this question: “Why do I resist intimacy with God?” Take a few minutes to write down what prevents you from experiencing a deeper satisfying relationship with the Lord. Confess the hindrances to the Lord and commit to nurturing your relationship with Him.

Sometimes we just need to get back to the basics of loving God and others. Watch this. 



Tags: satisfaction contentment