Intimacy of Relationship in Christ
Just as individual threads lose their separateness in a weave, so our lives are united with Christ—inseparable and supported by His grace.
Based on “Day by Day by Grace” by Bob Hoekstra
Photo credit: Unsplash
Today’s devotional from Bob Hoekstra points us gently but firmly toward the stunning truth that grace isn’t merely a covering—it’s a connection. Not an arm’s-length accommodation, but a permanent union. To be “in Christ” isn’t metaphorical fluff—it’s the spiritual reality for the believer. Just as a fish lives in the ocean and draws life from it, or an unborn child lives in the womb drawing life from the mother, so we live in Christ and draw everything from Him.
Hoekstra highlights that this union is pictured in various ways throughout Scripture: as a body connected to its head, as branches to a vine, and as a bride to a husband. These images—though diverse—all speak of dependence, unity, and shared life. In each case, it’s not just proximity, but an actual shared essence. We receive guidance, nourishment, love, companionship, and fruitfulness—not by trying harder, but by remaining in Him. The grace of God has brought us so close that there is no part of our lives untouched by Christ. This isn’t an ideal to chase; it’s the position in which we now live.
And because this union is secured by the blood of Jesus and anchored in the faithfulness of God, it cannot be undone. Not by hardship, not by failure, not by external powers or internal weakness. Our place in Him is eternal and sure.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture:
You are not far from Me. You are not outside looking in. You are Mine—brought near by the blood of My Son. Once alienated, you have now been reconciled and made one spirit with Me. As the body cannot live without its head, you now live by the direction, wisdom, and grace that flows from Christ, your Head.
You are no longer striving to find your way alone. I guide you in all truth. I order your steps. You are like a branch joined to a living vine—not merely clinging for survival but drawing life continually, bearing fruit that reveals My glory and presence within you.
You are joined to Jesus like a bride to her husband—loved with a faithful, self-giving love that never leaves, never turns cold, and never fails. He cherishes you. He walks every step with you. His nearness is not determined by your performance but by My promise.
In Christ, you have every spiritual blessing. You have been made alive together with Him, raised up together, and seated in the heavenly realms. Nothing can sever this union—no power, no depth, no darkness, no future fear. You are hidden with Christ in Me, safe and secure.
So walk today in this reality. You are not alone. You are not trying to live for Me—I am living through you. Rest in My companionship. Look to Me for your direction, your provision, your timing, your peace. You are in Christ—and that is where life is.
Ephesians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Colossians 1:18, John 16:13, Psalm 37:23, John 15:5, Romans 7:4, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:5-6, Romans 8:38-39, Colossians 3:3
Prayer from My Perspective:
Father, thank You that I don’t have to seek intimacy as if it’s something distant. You’ve already brought me near. I trust that I am in Christ right now, and I rejoice that His life is mine. I don’t need to manufacture fruit or orchestrate my own path—You are the One who lives through me, who guides, nourishes, and fills me. Thank You for never leaving me, never withholding Your affection, never failing to supply grace upon grace. I walk today with full assurance that I am Yours, and You are mine—and nothing can separate us.
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