I stood before my King in the morning and worshiped Him. Despite the sleepless night He'd given me, my mind felt agile and sharp. The hours of insomnia had led to deeper intimacy with Him and I rejoiced in that, because intimacy with my Beloved is the sweetest thing I've ever tasted.

"I love you," I told Him, "Thank you for being so good and kind and faithful."

I felt Him drawing me nearer. I felt afraid. Trust has been a difficult choice to make lately.

"Please trust me. I want to set you apart. Come a little closer, darling," He beckoned.

So I leaned into my Beloved, my King.

And He kissed me with fire.

It spread through my being like a shot of whiskey, but it was stronger and its reach both further and deeper. He'd touched me before, but never like that. That kind of closeness was new. We're past the point of no return now. I will never be able to settle for less than this depth of intimacy again. Its the most satisfying thing my soul has ever known.

I am filled with joy. I can't keep myself from declaring His goodness. I can't silence myself - I will sing of His love. I have been consumed by Him, my insecurities burnt up in the fire He set inside of me. I will speak with authority. I will pray with fervor, praise with passion. I will walk in confidence. The nearness of my King to me is overwhelming. 

But how wonderful it is to know that there is more! 

There's no end to my Beloved's affection for me. And like His love, He Himself goes on and on forever. He is infinite in every sense of the word. There will always be more of Him to be touched, explored, and known.

How beautifully I was created for intimacy with Him.

With fire from His lips, He marked me as His own.

How beautifully you were created for intimacy with Him.

Don't be afraid to lean in a little closer.