I Have A Need
When we have so much else going on in our lives, why would we ever “need” Jesus? To answer this question, ask ourselves; what do we really see each day when we look deeply into the eyes of those closest to us? Do we find a tranquil, calming peace or something else? Something quite the opposite which can actually destroy the peace that we long for? In this HD world of ours we can go even further and see clearly into the troubled eyes of others scattered about the many cultures of this diverse planet. We can upload and download a visual on almost every emotion ever registered in the library of life. However, the most difficult emotion to capture in life, images or video is love. We can see displays of caring, compassion and good works but the love itself is often buried. We must see beneath the surface to find it. Our attentions and focus are more attuned to the growling of trouble than the purring of love. A peaceful love is the most enduring presence we’ll ever know. This enduring presence is something which we can always find in the ever caring eyes and voice of our Lord.
We’ve all met many spiritual people, but far fewer who display the Lord’s calming presence within them. This results not just from their trials and spiritual gaps, but also from ours. To feel God’s presence in others requires some awareness of God within us. We can not quickly recognize that which is unfamiliar to us. “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20 ESV). What we search for in others we must first find in ourselves, that we might recognize it in those around us. Jesus knew his future, yet the peace within him could not be ruffled by the works or words of man. There was only ever calm in his words. This calm came from knowing. Knowing the Father, the Holy Spirit, Himself and all that time holds secret from us. Knowing Jesus won’t reveal the timing of the future to us, but we’ll feel a peaceful love in knowing that He has everything under control. His calm will pass through us to those around us, even if they can’t recognize it. Pause long enough today to register what those around us are projecting. Feel the questions, frustrations, fear and longing. See the good intentions and works in them but seek the calming acceptance of Jesus. When we can recognize, not the love of God, but God’s love and presence in others, we’ll have come to understand the “need” for Jesus in our own lives.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE (share)
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