Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 11, 2014
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Intimacy trusts and lack of intimacy distrusts. Through the process of getting to know God and understanding His heart, our trust grows. There is nothing to be learned about the Lord that causes distrust. On the contrary, the more we get to know Jesus—the more we trust Jesus. The unusual affection of Almighty God becomes evident once we engage deeply with Him. Trust merely buds at salvation— over time it blossoms with intimacy.
The brand name of Jesus has no peer even close, because its purity is without rival. Even the most trusted names you know have nowhere near the value of the name Jesus. Wise Christians are the ones who really get to know and trust the Savior of their soul. Jesus Christ is their trusted advisor, because of the intimate knowledge they have of Him.
“LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you” (Psalm 84:12).
Is it hard for you to trust God in general and people in particular? If so, what is your intimacy factor with both? Perhaps it is low because a person has let you down, or the Lord did not answer a prayer to your pleasing. Intimacy takes intentionality—it does not happen as an after thought or happenstance with positive feelings. It is a labor of love.
Do you really trust your spouse or friend? You say their track record of trust is littered with let downs, “How can I trust them?” Grace gives second changes, it thinks the best and believes the Lord can transform someone’s distrusting behavior into a trusting lifestyle. Indeed, you will live in fear and distress if you deny them intimate opportunities.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7).
Intimacy takes into account bad actions, but looks beyond the hurt to what’s in the heart. A child of God has a heart that has been redeemed but still requires ongoing renewal. When you accept your spouse or friend unconditionally, you position your relationship for an intimate encounter. Acceptance willingly receives another’s warts and loves unconditionally in spite of offenses. It enters into a room of intimacy and a home of trust.
Therefore, seek out the never forsaken love of the Lord—believe it, receive it, give it. It’s intimacy with the Almighty that fuels intimacy with family and friends. Intimacy is not about who wins—it’s about who listens, accepts, understands and comforts. A combative spirit kills intimacy and tortures trust, but a kind spirit enlivens intimacy and frees trust.
“The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13b).
Prayer: How can I grow in intimacy and trust with Jesus and those who know me the best?
Related Readings: Proverbs 16:20; Isaiah 12:2; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:31-32
Post/Tweet this today: The more we get to know Jesus—the more we trust Jesus. #wisdomhunters
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