Christian Experience?

Contrary to popular opinion, the true Christian life is to be saturated with "experiences". Are we not to perpetually dwell in and partake of the experiential presence of God? Yes! David has said, "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me" (Ps 51:11). And what is this "presence" he refers to? The presence of God is an experiential reality; it's actually to be felt and recognized upon one's person as a tangible influence... In fact, it's even likened to natural wine: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, BUT [rather] be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18; emphasis mine). The Shulamite woman continually likened Jesus' religious affections to that of drunkenness! Does this surprise you? Of course natural drunkenness is a mockery to the true experiential affections God has for His people (Prov 20:1), but the God-breathed metaphor exists nonetheless: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine" (Song 1:2)... this seemed to be her perpetual prayer. In fact, how interesting that this desire for His felt affection was the very root and foundation for all that followed! Would she have matured without this desire to be close to Him? It is doubtful. Certain Christian religious groups choose to ignore this important truth (probably because of it's metaphorical link to natural wine), but its validity cannot accurately be questioned. Call it what you want: AW Tozer called it "a conscious union with Christ". Edwards has called it "religious affections". I choose to call it an "experiential influence". Why do people get so fidgety when we discuss "feelings"? Of course the idea is abused by many flaky Christians, but so is the grace of God.. Does that negate the truth behind grace? We would dare not say so! Regarding such experiential affections, doesn't the Bible say that we are to be "IN HIM that is true" (1 Jn 5:20); And wouldn't this be felt upon our person? Yes! To be honest, when referencing the glory and presence of God, the ancient Hebrews often used the word "kabod", which means "weightiness". Is this a coincidence? Of course not. Jesus is not only to be read about and studied via eloquent prose, but also to be communed with via experiential influence! We are continually encouraged to do this: "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit" (2 Tim 4:22), and again Paul says: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all" (2 Cor 13:14). Of course this "experience" is not to be the sole entirety of one's Christian life, but it is a part nonetheless. This truth is simply one of many vital building blocks of real growth and edification. Have you spiritually communed with Him and experienced Him today? Are you continually influenced by His wondrous "kabod"? Such a divine connection is never meant to be broken; it never has to disconnect. He wants to meet with you: "I am my beloved's AND HIS DESIRE IS TOWARD ME" (Song of Solomon 7:10)!