As I sit down to write these last words in our series, you are so much on my mind and in my heart. Even though we haven’t met, I have thought of you for the last six months. And I have tried to discern what would be best to pass on to you. Like many times during our journey together, I find myself wanting to know how you are doing. I wish we could grab some coffee and talk for a while. I would love that.
As we part ways for now, I wonder if you might think that we could be selfish by spending so much time with Jesus and “ourselves.” How important is it—really—to see hidden rooms within our hearts, intentionally live there with Jesus, and receive His love, truth, and leadership? After all, the world is a complete mess. Wouldn’t He rather see us spending our time and energy on matters that appear to be more urgent?
A few years ago, I spoke at a retreat for a church out of San Diego. I used a couple of sessions to highlight our need to do some of the things we talked about in this series. After the first session, the senior pastor approached me, looking noticeably excited. He said, “I see what’s happening here. This is about the Gospel reaching more and more places of my heart!”
So well said. He was right, although I never thought of putting it that way! Now, I often think of his words. What we have talked about these last months is certainly not selfish introspection. The journey into our hearts with Jesus is so much more. Our expanding home with Him is the “abiding life” He commands us to live in John 15:4:
“Abide in me, and I in you.”
Living with Jesus in more and more places of our hearts is, then, the progressive filling of the Spirit. It is the expansion of the Kingdom in us and through us. And it is the basis for an attractive witness, as well as spiritual leadership that is authentic, relevant, and powerful.
Therefore, let us worship…. Let us bow down and rest, truly rest in the One who holds everything and loves us completely. Let us yield our souls to Him. He will guide us from the reality of where we are to the reality of where we will be. And, wherever we go, it will be good for us and good for the world.
Peace, friends….
Prayer Project
Please take some time to sit in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted for at least 30 minutes. Then, ask God and ask yourself the questions below. If you can, write down your answers in a notebook that you might keep for this journey we’re taking together. No right answers here—just be as honest as you can.
- God, how do I feel about ending this series? Where does this leave me?
- What is your invitation going forward, Lord?
- What are my intentions?
- God, thank you for wanting to live with me in more and more places of my heart. help me be courageously open to you and deeply receive your love for me.
NOTE: If you find yourself wanting to meet with an evangelical spiritual director, I recommend graftedlife.org. The website lists approved directors, along with contact info and narratives to help you get to know them a bit. Excellent resource.