Marriage between a man and woman has two faces: one that is seen in public and one that is experienced only in private between the husband and wife. A married couple holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, exchanging winks or touches ... these are "public" faces of a marriage relationship. All these are good and necessary but really not intimate by definition.

True intimacy is that which takes place in secret … a total giving of oneself to another without shame, without reserve, and without pretense. Yet, the fruit of intimate relationship can be seen without any public testimony.

There is a greater intimacy available to each one of us, according to Psalm 91:1. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

What does it mean to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High?"

Have you found that place of true intimacy with the Lord? Do you love being alone with Him, conversing with Him, sharing with Him, learning from Him? Have you learned to set aside some quiet, alone time to be in His presence where an intimate relationship can develop and grow?

Don't take your time with Him lightly, but nurture it and allow it to grow deeper and deeper day after day. For, if we DWELL in that "secret place" of the Most High, we will ABIDE under the shadow of His wing, and no safer place can be found in all of creation.

Allow the evidence of intimate relationship with the Father to be your testimony day in and day out.

Live in His awesome presence.

Father, although our relationship has grown and blossomed since I first met You, I long for a deeper, more intimate relationship with You. I long to dwell in that "secret place" where I find safety under the shadow of Your wing. Lord, help me love You more, know You more, serve You more. Lord, help me surrender to You more and more each day so our relationship can be seen and perceived by all who meet me without ever having to say a word. Father, be glorified in our relationship today and every day, amen.

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." (Psalm 57:1)

© Jan Ross
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