The joy of intimacy

So if the Lord gave us an intimate relationship with our mates so that we might have joy in the midst of the suffering of this life, what does that say about Him? For Jesus is the Bridegroom, and the Church is His bride. Often through Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, the Lord describes Himself as the Husband of His people, just as He is the Father of His children.

A godly father with his children is a picture, a little visual aid, of the Lord�s relationship with us as our heavenly Father. And a godly marriage is likewise a picture, a little visual aid, of His relationship with us as our heavenly Husband and Bridegroom.

I disagree with the one I heard in church who said that joy isn�t for everybody. Yes, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. There is a time for weeping, but there is also a time for dancing. It is my belief that God intends joy for us, to give us strength to endure our trials.

For if intimacy with our mates was designed so that we might have joy in the midst of suffering, then is that not a picture, a visual aid, showing us that the Lord intends for the intimacy of our relationship with Him to be a time of sweet refreshing, a well-spring of life, the fruit of joy in the midst of suffering?

Will the same God who said, do not defraud one another, withhold Himself from us, after He paid the costly and ultimate price to purchase us for His own?

But in my marriage, dear sisters, offense, either on my part or my husband�s part, will keep me from his arms. To enjoy intimacy with him, I must keep my heart free from disloyalty, bitterness and unforgiveness toward him. And there are times I hurt his heart by my sin. Then I must repent in sincerity, and confess my sin to him to restore his heart to me. Sin breaks our sweet fellowship.

Is it not so with the Lord as well? If He is far off, if the heavens are bronze, is there a reason? Yes, there is.

Previously: A rabbit trail.
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Update: continued in The poetry of intimacy