God Desires Intimacy

 I’m exploring the relational and intimate nature of God as it unfolds in the early chapters of Genesis. In Genesis 3:8, we see God walking in the garden with Adam and Eve—an image of closeness, presence, and unbroken relationship. God initiates intimacy; He is near, audible, and relational. After the fall, that walking is disrupted, yet it appears again with Enoch in Genesis 5:22. Enoch “walked with God,” echoing the kind of relationship God originally intended. His intimacy with God was so deep that he was taken up, emphasizing that nearness to God leads to life and communion beyond the ordinary.

Alongside this, Genesis 1–2 presents God as the initiator—the one who calls, names, and speaks over His creation. God moves first. Then in Genesis 4:26, we see a shift: humanity begins to call upon the name of the Lord. Intimacy becomes reciprocal. God calls, and people are invited to respond.

Set against this is Cain’s tragic choice. In Genesis 4:16, Cain “went away from the presence of the Lord.” God had spoken to him, warned him, and invited him into right relationship, yet Cain chose separation. This moment marks a deliberate turning away from intimacy—not because God withdrew, but because Cain did.

The contrast deepens in Genesis 6. Though the earth is filled with corruption, God’s eyes find Noah, a righteous and blameless man who finds favor with Him. Even in a world that has completely walked away from God’s presence, the Lord still seeks and honors relational faithfulness.

Together, these passages reveal a God who consistently initiates relationship—walking with His people, calling them by name, and making His presence known—while also desiring a willing, responsive intimacy in return. Humanity is shown both paths: to walk with God, or to walk away from His presence.

The small insert of Enoch after the seemingly broken relationship with God gives great hope to everyone after the fall. Even though sin entered the world, we see that God still desires intimacy with His creation. This should mean everything for us today. We can live a life like Enoch—walking in a deep, close relationship with the Lord. May this be our heart's desire.