Yearning for Intimacy: The Journey Toward God
Summary
In our journey of faith, we begin with a profound sense of longing, a divine discontent that propels us toward a deeper relationship with God. This longing is akin to the enduring love seen in couples who, after many years, still share a deep connection, as opposed to those who have become mere contented roommates. Similarly, in our spiritual walk, we encounter believers who have grown immensely in their love for the Lord, while others remain content with the status quo. Our desire is to emulate those who continually seek a closer walk with God, never fully content, always yearning for more of Him.
Drawing near to God is a privilege that comes with no restrictions. God Himself initiates this relationship, inviting us to come closer. Over the next few weeks, we will explore the beginnings of this pursuit, the realization that it is God's idea, the privilege and the price of intimacy with Him, the lost art of lingering in His presence, and the concept of unveiled faces, which we will delve into in the final week.
We are reminded of the importance of having the right concept of God. Our understanding of who God is fundamentally shapes our pursuit of Him. A.W. Tozer rightly asserts that our concept of God is the most important thing about us. If we have a skewed view of God, our entire spiritual life can be affected. We must recognize God as a personal being with emotions, thoughts, and plans, not as an impersonal force or distant deity.
God reveals Himself through His names, each one inviting us into a deeper understanding of His nature and His desire for a close relationship with us. Names like Emmanuel, Jehovah Shalom, and Father speak of His intimate involvement in our lives. We are encouraged to embark on the adventure of getting to know God, an endless and soul-satisfying quest.
As we seek God, we must believe that He is who He says He is. The first sin in the Garden of Eden was rooted in a misconception of God's character. If we misunderstand God, we may hesitate to draw near to Him. But when we grasp His true nature, we find everything we need in Him.
In conclusion, the journey of drawing near to God begins with a longing for more of Him, coupled with a correct understanding of His character. This journey is an ongoing, ever-deepening relationship that we are invited to start now and continue for eternity.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey toward God begins with a divine discontent, a longing that mirrors the enduring love seen in deeply connected couples. This longing is not a sign of spiritual deficiency but a mark of a vibrant, growing faith that seeks to know God more intimately. [07:01]
- Understanding God's character is crucial to our spiritual pursuit. Misconceptions about God can lead to fear and distance, while a correct view of God as a personal, loving, and relational being draws us closer to Him. Our concept of God is the foundation upon which our relationship with Him is built. [15:54]
- God's names reveal His desire for intimacy with us. Names like Emmanuel, Jehovah Shalom, and Father are not just titles; they are invitations to experience God's presence and care in a personal and profound way. Each name is a doorway to understanding a different aspect of God's nature and His relationship with us. [28:19]
- The paradox of contentment and holy discontent is a spiritual dynamic that fuels our pursuit of God. We are to be fully satisfied in our identity as children of God while simultaneously driven by a holy restlessness to seek Him more fervently. This paradox keeps our faith alive and our hearts yearning for deeper communion with God. [10:59]
- Drawing near to God is not only a privilege but also a necessity. In God, we find all that we need—forgiveness, guidance, protection, and love. The journey of knowing God is endless, filled with joy and discovery, and it is one that we are encouraged to begin now, not waiting for eternity. [32:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 63:1 - "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
2. Exodus 33:11, 18 - "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend... Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.'"
3. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 63:1, how does David describe his relationship with God? What emotions and desires does he express?
2. In Exodus 33:11, 18, what kind of relationship did Moses have with God, and what did Moses ask of God? [08:30]
3. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God and draw near to Him?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between believers who are deeply connected with God and those who are content with the status quo? [04:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does David's longing for God in Psalm 63:1 suggest about the nature of a vibrant faith?
2. How does Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33:18 reflect a deeper desire for intimacy with God? [09:40]
3. Why is it important to have a correct understanding of God's character according to Hebrews 11:6 and the sermon? [15:54]
4. How do the names of God, such as Emmanuel and Jehovah Shalom, reveal His desire for a personal relationship with us? [24:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep longing for God. What circumstances led to that feeling, and how did you respond? [04:08]
2. Moses had a close relationship with God but still desired more. In what ways can you seek a deeper relationship with God in your daily life? [09:40]
3. How can you ensure that your understanding of God is accurate and not based on misconceptions? What steps can you take to learn more about His true nature? [15:54]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of lingering in God's presence. How can you create more time in your schedule to be still and spend time with God? [01:39]
5. Think about the names of God mentioned in the sermon (Emmanuel, Jehovah Shalom, Father). Which name resonates most with you right now, and why? [24:53]
6. The sermon discussed the paradox of being content in our identity as God's children while also having a holy discontent to seek Him more. How can you balance these two aspects in your spiritual life? [10:59]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to draw nearer to God and deepen your relationship with Him? Consider specific actions such as prayer, Bible study, or acts of service. [32:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Longing for Divine Intimacy
The spiritual journey begins with a divine discontent, a deep-seated longing that is not a deficiency but a sign of a vibrant and growing faith. This longing is the soul's recognition of its true home and a desire to be closer to God, much like the enduring love between deeply connected couples. It is a holy restlessness that refuses to settle for a superficial relationship with the Creator. This yearning is a catalyst for spiritual growth, pushing believers to seek a more profound understanding and experience of God's presence in their lives. It is the beginning of a beautiful adventure that leads to a deeper communion with the Divine, an experience that is both satisfying and perpetually expanding. [07:01]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
Reflection: What are the signs of your soul's longing for God, and how can you respond to this divine discontent in your daily spiritual practices?
Day 2: The Foundation of God's Character
Understanding who God is at His core is essential for a meaningful spiritual pursuit. Misconceptions about God's character can lead to a life of fear and distance from Him. In contrast, recognizing God as a personal, loving, and relational being invites us into a closer walk with Him. This correct view of God is the foundation upon which our relationship with Him is built. It is through this lens that we can truly appreciate His grace, mercy, and love, and it is this understanding that shapes our identity and our approach to life. [15:54]
Hosea 6:3 (ESV)
"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
Reflection: How does your current understanding of God's character influence your relationship with Him, and what steps can you take to align your perception with the truth of who He is?
Day 3: Invitations to Intimacy Through Names
God's names are not mere titles; they are profound invitations to understand His nature and to experience His presence and care in a personal way. Each name—Emmanuel, Jehovah Shalom, Father—reveals a different aspect of God's desire for intimacy with us. These names are doorways to a deeper relationship, offering insights into His love, peace, and fatherly care. As we explore the significance of these names, we are drawn into a more profound experience of God's presence in our lives. [28:19]
Exodus 34:5-6 (ESV)
"The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.'"
Reflection: Which of God's names speaks most to your current circumstances, and how can you meditate on this name to deepen your understanding and experience of God's presence?
Day 4: Contentment and Holy Discontent
The paradox of contentment and holy discontent is a spiritual dynamic that keeps our faith alive. As children of God, we are called to find our identity and satisfaction in Him, yet we are also driven by a holy restlessness to seek Him more fervently. This dynamic prevents spiritual stagnation and fuels our desire for a deeper communion with God. It is a balance that allows us to be fully present in our relationship with God while also yearning for more of Him. [10:59]
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead."
Reflection: In what ways do you experience the tension between contentment and holy discontent in your spiritual life, and how can you embrace this dynamic to fuel your pursuit of God?
Day 5: The Necessity of Drawing Near
Drawing near to God is not just a privilege; it is a necessity for our souls. In God, we find all that we need—forgiveness, guidance, protection, and love. The journey of knowing God is an endless one, filled with joy and discovery. It is a journey that we are encouraged to begin now, not waiting for eternity. As we draw closer to God, we find our true purpose and fulfillment in life, and we are transformed by His love and grace. [32:28]
James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to draw nearer to God, and how can you incorporate these steps into your daily routine to foster a closer relationship with Him?
Quotes
1) "It begins with a sense of longing, it actually begins with a little discontent... We want to talk about this whole thing of drawing near to God." [04:08] (Download | )
2) "It's a wonderful thing to find God and yet to still seek Him... it's the paradox of being content and being driven by a holy discontent to seek Him more." [10:59] (Download | )
3) "Our concept of God is the most important thing about us... if we have a wrong concept of God, our whole life can get skewed." [16:38] (Download | )
4) "God is enough like us that we can know Him... but He always remains enough different from us that we still need to Bow Down and Worship." [22:00] (Download | )
5) "God's names... show how totally relational He is... He reveals so much about Him and who He is in His names." [28:19] (Download | )
6) "If we misunderstand His nature... we will not want to draw near, there will be something that will keep us from that." [29:32] (Download | )
7) "We will have all eternity... but begin now, start now. He's given us the opportunity to begin now." [32:28] (Download | )
8) "God is not a vague abstract thing out there... He has a personality, He feels, He knows." [18:00] (Download | )
9) "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend... Moses says, 'Now show me your glory.'... God says, 'Yeah, I'll do that for you.'" [08:30] (Download | )
10) "It's an endless and soul satisfying quest to know God, to know God is to love and worship Him, to love and worship Him is to long to know Him better." [31:44] (Download | )
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