Everyone needs closeness in life. Girls need their BFFs (best friends forever) and boys ned their best friends (wing man). But with age, a new need arises, a physical need; boy friends and girl friends cuddle, lovers, spouses, parent and child. This closeness allows for the receiver to feel love and the giver to express love. When we need this closeness spiritually, how are we to cuddle with the Lord?
"The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the [uncompromisingly] righteous - the upright, in right standing with Him." Proverbs 15:29, Amplified
The answer to the previous question is in this verse. In the first part we find that the Lord is far from the wicked. In our bad decisions and bad behavior, we push the Lord away. He cannot associate with us in our sinfulness and wickedness. It is when we avail ourselves of the sinful lifestyles that we lead that He can finally approach or we Him. Does this mean that every time we need a "spiritual hug" that we clean up our act? By no means. This decision needs to be on a daily basis. Everyday needs to be a day when we express our love for the Lord. Think of it like this: we need not seek out a hug from the Lord, rather we need to seek Him out to give Him the hug.
The only time when a hug can be given or received is when intimacy is established. Both parties need to be willing to ignore territorial bubbles and allow another in. How is intimacy established with the Lord? Prayer (us talking to Him). Reading the Bible (Him talking to us). Works (Him working through us). ( I want it to be known that I dod not have a "works" based faith. When I reference works I mean performing activities to express our love for the Lord. This could be volunteering at church functions, a soup kitchen, missions or witnessing. Faith without works is dead for works is a verification of faith.)
The Lord was, and is, the ultimate example as to what He desires. In the book of Exodus, He desired a Tabernacle that He might dwell among the people. But this was not enough for Him. In the Gospel of John we read that the Word became flesh dwelt with the people. But this was not enough. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This is a forward progression of intimacy on the Lord's part. He reached out to give humanity that touch. If we are made in the image of God, then we too must act appropriately. If we are made in the image of God, then we too must desire more. A simple trip to church on Sunday morning should never be enough. A quick prayer before a test should not be enough. A quick motion to the heavens because of a touchdown or an award that was won should not be the end of our expression of love. Every breath, every movement should exemplify our love for the Lord.
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