How to Approach Jesus for Intimacy with Him ‍

How to Approach Jesus for Intimacy with Him

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The Jesus Problem: Why Do We Feel Disconnected?

Sometimes, our relationship with Jesus feels dry and unfulfilling. We might be busy with religious activities yet feel distant from Him. This happens when our focus shifts to self-centered behaviors or cultural expectations instead of truly connecting with Jesus. We might go through the motions, but without deep intimacy, our relationship with Him lacks power and purpose.

The real problem is that we often try to fit Jesus into our understanding, rather than letting Him transform us. This leads to a false sense of security and walls that block true connection. But these walls can be broken down through an intimate relationship with Jesus, where we learn to see and know Him for who He truly is.

Read Song of Songs 2:8-15 and see through this lens to understand how Jesus wants to remove burdens and barriers the keep us from the intimacy we need.

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Listen! My beloved!
    Look! Here he comes,
leaping across the mountains,
    bounding over the hills.
⁹ My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.
    Look! There he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
    peering through the lattice.
¹⁰ My beloved spoke and said to me,
    “Arise, my darling,
    my beautiful one, come with me.
¹¹ See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone.
¹² Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.
¹³ The fig tree forms its early fruit;
    the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
    my beautiful one, come with me.”

He

¹⁴ My dove in the clefts of the rock,
    in the hiding places on the mountainside,
show me your face,
    let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
    and your face is lovely.
¹⁵ Catch for us the foxes,
    the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
    our vineyards that are in bloom.

The Remedy: Steps to Growing in Intimacy

1. Change Your Perspective
   Look at Jesus through the lens of joy and resurrection life. Picture Him     as a loving Savior running toward you, free of barriers. Let go of your self-imposed expectations and start focusing on who Jesus is rather than what you think He should be. (See Song of Songs 2:8-15)
2. Step Outside Yourself
   Stop dwelling on your feelings and focus on meeting Jesus where He is. He is inviting you to experience His presence, so come to Him with open hands and a willing heart. (Song of Songs 2:8-15)
3. Embrace the Cross and the Resurrection
   Understand that true intimacy requires a death to self-centeredness. Allow God to tear down the walls you’ve built walls that might seem protective but actually prevent real healing and growth. (Song of Songs 2:8-15)
4. Remove Small Obstacles (Little Foxes)
   These are habits or thoughts that steal your joy and hinder spiritual     growth. Identify and address them with God’s help. When we notice these “little foxes,” we can prevent them from spoiling the new fruit that God     is growing in us. (Song of Songs 2:8-15)
5. Move Beyond a Surface Relationship
   Don’t settle for just knowing about God. Seek a deeper, relational knowledge of Jesus that transforms your heart and actions.

Characteristics of an Intimate Relationship with Jesus

• An Intimate Servant Seeks the Truth
  When we come to Jesus sincerely, He will reveal whether we are seeking Him for His reasons or merely to satisfy our own needs. This honesty is the starting point for a genuine relationship.
• Jesus Changes Us from the Inside Out
  True intimacy means that every part of our life is impacted by His presence. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture and life experiences to teach us     and shape us into the image of Jesus.

What Intimacy with Jesus Looks Like

1. Seeing Life Through His Eyes‍

         Jesus reveals truths that help us see our lives from a new perspective.

       2. Coming to Him Like a Child‍

           Approach Him with the trust and simplicity of a child who finds rest and love in their father’s arms.

       3. Letting Go of What We Think Matters
        As we pursue Jesus, we discover that some things we hold onto aren’t as important as they seem. Real intimacy means letting Him transform our     minds and          shape our values.

       4.Embracing the Push and Pull of Spiritual Growth
         The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives isn’t always comfortable. He may challenge us and renew us in unexpected ways, pushing us to deeper     maturity in Christ.

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What Intimacy is Not

• It’s Not a Formula or Theory
      Intimacy with Jesus isn’t about ticking off a checklist or fitting Him into our schedules. It’s about living every moment aware of His presence.
• It’s Not Just Head Knowledge
      Knowing facts about Jesus isn’t the same as truly knowing Him. True intimacy comes from experiencing His love and guidance in our daily lives.

The Outcome: Real Transformation

When we grow in intimacy with Jesus, our desires change. Selfish ambitions and personal needs fall away, replaced by a deeper joy in simply being with Him. We become like a tree shedding dead leaves, letting go of old ways as new growth begins.

Jesus’ Invitation to You

• “Why do you come to me with your own terms, walls, and needs? All I want is to share Me with you.”
• “You have walls of need; I am your only need.”
• “Why seek assurance from others when you have, My Spirit within you? My Spirit will affirm who you are in Me.”

What Happens When We Seek Jesus’ Spirit

• We experience a deeper formation of our souls.
• We understand what it means to be truly known by God.
• Our relationship with Him interrupts and transforms our lives.
• We begin to grasp the mystery of being in relationship with the Creator.

Ultimately, true intimacy with Jesus reduces our misconceptions about Him. We start to breathein His life and live out His kingdom values. Our prayers shift from self-focused requests to “Lord, teach me how to live and pray according to Your will.”

The journey to intimacy with Jesus is ongoing, but as we pursue Him wholeheartedly, we will experience the freedom, joy, and transformation He desires for us.

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