Darling, It’s Time!
Will you go on a journey with me for a second? I invite you to close your eyes and, in your mind, paint a picture of the most beautiful place you can fathom. This place doesn’t have to be real. Dream with me. Engage your senses. What does it feel like? What can you taste? What can you smell? What do you hear? What do you see?
I envision a meadow beside a quiet stream. I feel the calm and crisp fresh air as it brushes my hair gently aside. I hear a bubbling brook and see a cascading field of wild flowers. I hear the sweet voice of Jesus who is knelt next to me. And in this moment, I can taste the goodness of God.
I invite you to stay present in this place as we journey together into intimacy with Jesus. Be mindful of all your senses.
“Arise, my dearest. Hurry my Darling. Come Away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now, is the time, my beautiful one.” Song of Songs 2:10 (TPT)
This passage is filled with imagery of intimacy. Jesus speaks to us with words of adoration. He calls us His dearest, His darling, His beautiful one. And He has just one request of us, His daughters: “Arise and come away with me.” His words are full of promise if only we answer the call to get away with Him.
In Matthew 11:28, we see Jesus posing a similar request,
“Are you weary. Carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” (TPT)
The last two years, as a whole, have felt anything but easy to bear. From the pandemic to the accompanying complacency that we as a Church and culture have fallen into. But when I read Jesus’ words, arise and come away, I can’t help but feel as if in our busy and hurried lives, we have missed the mark- the call to intimacy. Intimacy is a simple but powerful call. And it will change your spirit and give rest to your soul.
So, what should this intimacy look like in our own lives? This season I have a special challenge for you: Set aside a designated time and space, once a week, for a date with Jesus. Go on a retreat with Him. Go to a place, whether mental or physical, where you can sense His presence. Engage your senses. Listen to worship music. Read scripture. Talk to Him. Listen to His voice. Sit in His presence. Taste and see that the Lord is good and blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8). Watch your soul refresh. See your spirit renewed.
Time away with Jesus should be a treat- an indulgence. Let Him love on you. He wants to adore you. You are His daughter. Beautiful. Treasured. Honored. Pure. His. Nothing will ever change His love for you.
Romans 8:38-39 says,
“So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that His love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers can weaken His love. There is no power above us or beneath us- no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!” (TPT)
Let God lavish His love on you, dear sister! Invite Him in. Join Him in this waltz of intimacy. Watch Him change your heart. See Him love you in a way that you could never dream of being loved. Be swept away by Him. Say yes. Answer the call.
Darling, It’s time!
- Kierstin Almstrum, Soul Care Lead
About Kiersten
Kiersten is a licensed and trained Christian counselor. She believes wholeness is a journey and that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, what once was broken can become whole. Her passion is to equip others with the tools needed to start their journey.
