Day 19

Intimacy with God addresses so many other needs for fulfillment.

‘“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph dayafter day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.’ (Genesis 39:9-10)

People without wholesome relationships, self-esteem or an experiential relationship with God seek intimacy in other ways. G.K. Chesterton said, ‘Every man who goes into a brothel is looking for God.’ Deep down we have appetites for intimacy that cause us to look for satisfaction that can only be met in union with God through Christ. The intimacy expressed in sexual desire is intended to unite both physically and spiritually. This spiritual one-ness, this sense of wholeness, comes first by knowing God’s indwelling presence and living out of that awareness.

When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, he refused. His strength and security was in God. He was in a foreign land away from his family. He could have argued that no one would know. Or he could better his position in Potiphar’s house by sleeping with his wife and enjoy the thrill of it. But he ran because he knew it was a cheap drink at a fountain of dirty water, when his true sustenance was found in the Living Water of God’s presence with him. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attempting to seduce her and he went to prison. Even so all his mistreatments were turned to something better and higher.

Where do you find the true intimacy that enables your deep inner self know and be known?