My granddaughter, Emma, has a talent for asking questions. She wants to understand what’s happening around her and make sense of her world. The problem is that, for the past year or so, her world hasn’t made sense. Our family has faced numerous hardships and heartbreaks. I long for predictability and stability for myself, my husband, our children, and our grandchildren, but our experiences often shake that longing to the core. Emma’s parents are wise and do their best to answer her “whys.” Sometimes, it isn’t enough for her searching soul.
Nevertheless, asking “why” can be powerful, leading to discovery and understanding. Our eyes may be opened to see the bigger picture more clearly. As we search the Scriptures and seek God in prayer, we learn to know and love Him more. However, there are times when asking “why” does not satisfy, and the answers we receive fall short.
We may never know why. Life can be tough. Amid the beauty and happiness, there can be unexpected tragedies and crises—illness, financial struggles, broken relationships, shattered dreams. My daughter-in-law introduced me to a song by Jet Trouble called “I Need You.” I’ve been listening to it every day on repeat. During life’s raw, painful, and confusing moments, Jesus is never offended by my honest and genuine questions. Even when I cry out in anger or doubt. When brokenness surrounds me and becomes part of me, the bottom line is, “I need You.” And I lean on Jesus.
God has given us many promises. He promises to provide us with His peace, comfort, and strength. However, He never promises to give us answers. When we find ourselves in a fog of uncertainty, we can lean on Jesus.
The Apostle John is known as the Apostle of Love. Love runs throughout His Gospel and three epistles. In his early years as Jesus’ disciple, he was part of the inner circle. During the Last Supper, he is described as “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” (John 13:23 NKJV). We don’t talk like that today. Back then, this was a gesture of deep affection and closeness, signifying a special bond between Jesus and John. As John leaned on Jesus, he showed his love and trust in Him.
Will we love Him? Will we trust Him? Will we lean on Jesus?
Job lost everything and suffered intensely. God appeared to him and revealed His glory, but He never explained Himself. Job was restored and blessed, but he was never given the full backstory that we read in the first two chapters of Job. However, after the divine encounter that left Job speechless, Job realized he could lean on God. (Jesus hadn’t arrived on the scene yet.)
Jesus is always enough. There are many reasons we might suffer. Maybe it’s the consequences of our own choices. Or it’s the result of others’ selfish and sinful actions. Or we suffer because we live in a fallen world that is far from God’s original, perfect design. No matter the reason, knowing the “why” doesn’t take away our pain.
But we must avoid getting stuck in the endless cycle of “why.” It leads us nowhere. Instead, declare the unchanging truth, “I need You!”
Jesus is our greatest need.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” (John 10:14 NLT). Jesus sees you and knows you.
Will we love Him? Will we trust Him? Will we lean on Jesus?
Every day is a gift from God, no matter where we are. He has given us today. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). Whether we have answers or not, we must lean on Jesus. We can fully trust in Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.1 The word transformation comes from the ancient Greek term, “metamorphosis.” The Bible uses the word “metamorphosis” to describe the transformation in the lives of followers of Jesus.
Romans 12:2 is one of the best-known verses about this. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (metamorphoo) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (NIV).
People who believe in Jesus Christ and live for Him are being transformed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out. We begin to think differently, and our nature changes.
People attempt to make changes in their lives through self-control and willpower. That is good. But God says that we all need another change as well—the transformation of our hearts. It starts with believing in Jesus and trusting Him as Savior. That’s the beginning of our journey with Jesus. There is so much more than praying a prayer and going to heaven.
God has made it possible for you to go through gradual metamorphosis. You commit your life as a disciple of Jesus, and God’s Spirit lives inside you and changes you. Your attitudes, outlook, and desires change over time as you dedicate ourselves to learn what it means to follow Jesus on the Jesus Way.
Have you ever tried to transform a pig? It isn’t possible because the pig’s nature cannot change. Pigs love mud. You can give the pig a bath, spray the best body spray on him, put a gold chain around his neck, and bring him into the house. Eventually though, when you turn him loose or he finds a way to escape, the pig will jump into the first mud puddle he sees. Despite all that training, the pig is still a pig!
Thanks be to God for His power to change us! This goes beyond behavior modification.
There are many kinds of spiritual disciplines that lead to our spiritual formation.
In the classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster outlines three types of spiritual disciplines or practices: The inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines.
Learning about the spiritual practices is essential as we seek to become more like Jesus. They are life-changing practices that the Holy Spirit uses to transform us inwardly.
However, it can be all too easy to emphasize the practices and lose sight of our relationship with Jesus. It’s a subtle change but it leads to practices that are not heart-felt. I’ve been there many times in my journey with Jesus. God in His grace has lovingly reminded me to return to being with Him.
I believe we are to focus on the why of spiritual practices more than on the what.
The bottom line is: BE with Jesus.
Following the Jesus Way starts with inner growth. You can do the right outward things without your heart being changed. However, when your heart is changed, your outward behavior will change. Your heart is changed when you spend time with Jesus.
The Jesus Way is counter-cultural. In Western society, it’s a badge of honor to be insanely busy. Even though we know that we should slow down, and we’ve heard about the Sabbath, our culture pulls us toward activities.
Many of us are tired, even exhausted. In our weary state, Jesus loving extends this invitation. Listen to His words. What stands out to you?
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).
Jesus loves you so much. He yearns for you to come to Him, to keep company with Him. He wants you to thrive as you follow Him as His disciples. Jesus wants the very best for you.
My dad is my hero. When I was growing up, though, he was not a good example of taking care of himself. My dad didn’t believe in God back then; he was an atheist, so there was that. He was a driven person and pushed himself hard. While working on his PhD and researching for his dissertation, he came home at 3 in the morning, slept for three hours, and got going again. He earned his PhD in record time, received his professorship tenure more quickly than usual, and became internationally renowned for his discoveries in his field. He invested in property and reached his goal of being a millionaire before age 30. This was in the 1970s. A million dollars had more spending power than today.
My parents divorced when my dad was 35 and things spiraled from there. He lost his fortune due to embezzlement. At the age of 41, he contracted a virus that destroyed his pancreas and made him a Type 1 diabetic. He was two weeks from death when doctors discovered what was wrong. It took several years for him to regain his health.
During this time period, my dad committed his life to Jesus. He spent hours with Jesus, and his heart began to change. One of his favorite Scripture verses is Psalm 90:12. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” NIV).
My dad is dedicated to being intentional and wise with the life God has given him. His days are centered on being with Jesus, and allowing Jesus to form his heart. His life doesn’t revolve around himself. He has dedicated his life to doing whatever Jesus asks him to do, even if it doesn’t make sense or is uncomfortable. He hears from Jesus because he makes time to listen, and he is obedient. That’s why my Dad is my hero.
True, meaningful life comes from Jesus alone, and by making space to be with Him.
Our life-giving connection to Jesus sustains us during times of joy and sorrow. It is characterized by a constant closeness that transcends our comprehension. Jesus is always at our side, ready to console and guide us. Seeking Him with open and humble hearts enables us to recognize His living presence in our daily lives. Through the gift of the Spirit, the very life of Christ takes root in our hearts.
The Jesus Way calls us to move beyond surface living into a deep relationship with our Savior and Master Jesus, and the people he loves. Our highest calling is to abide in His presence and yield to His transformative touch.
When we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out.
Once, there was a man named Nehemiah. He was a Jewish exile living in Persia and held a prestigious position as cup bearer to the king, ensuring that every drink served was safe for the king’s consumption.
One of the Jewish brothers visited Nehemiah and reported that the walls of Jerusalem were broken, and its gates had been burned with fire.
Nehemiah was overwhelmed by the news and felt heartbroken. He mourned, fasted, and prayed to God for mercy. He asked God to allow him to return and assist his people. It was highly unlikely that the king would permit Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The king needed him.
Nehemiah continued to pray, and an opportunity arose for him to make his request to the king. The king was pleased to send Nehemiah! God granted Nehemiah favor. A date was set, and arrangements were made to supply the timber and other materials needed.
The Jewish enemies opposed the rebuilding of the wall. They discouraged and threatened Nehemiah, spread false rumors about him, and attempted to halt the construction. Nevertheless, Nehemiah persevered, and the walls, with a circumference of 2.5 miles, were completed in just 52 days!
Nehemiah is the man credited with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, but he clearly could not have done it alone. He rallied the community for this holy cause, which included the men of Israel, the men of Bethlehem, the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers, the temple servants, and the descendants of the servants of Solomon. Nehemiah led them effectively. Each family was assigned a specific section of the wall to rebuild. As all of God’s people worked together under Nehemiah’s leadership, they accomplished an incredible feat.
Like Nehemiah, we need one another. You can’t become more like Jesus in isolation. You NEED community.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
No church is perfect because people can be messy. Ideally, a Jesus-centered community provides support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. It fosters spiritual growth and shared experiences. It’s a place where individuals can find strength and accountability in their spiritual journeys, creating a communal space for love and growth.
Western Christians find practicing community challenging because of our tradition of individualism and aversion to authority. Community requires sacrificing some privacy and rights. It often involves adapting to different ways of doing things. Living life together entails becoming vulnerable at times, acknowledging our weaknesses and needs. It also involves addressing these needs and demonstrating strength on behalf of others when necessary. Communal life means being willing to submit to the family of God, particularly to those whom God has placed in positions of ordained office—Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Spiritual formation within the community context requires sacrifice. However, Jesus sacrificed His life for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one.
But whatever the costs, we must learn to live in community. We must learn to deal with our differences in a biblical manner. We must work together on the mutual call to build God’s kingdom. We must live as the body of Christ, where every part of the community cares for every other part. We must rediscover what it means to live shared lives of generosity, mercy, friendship, and hospitality. Many of these virtues of the ancient church have been lost over time. It’s time to be awakened by the Holy Spirit.
Western spirituality often considers church community an optional complement to our personal relationship with Jesus. Many act as if God alone is sufficient and that other Christians are completely unnecessary. “Worshiping in your own way” has supplanted church gatherings. However, the Bible directs us otherwise.
In the creation account, God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground” (Genesis 1:26 NLT).
“Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…” This is the first mention of the Trinity. We know there is one God. The “us” refers to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God, three persons. God Himself is a community.
The Trinity created Adam.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18 NLT).
But Adam wasn’t alone; he had all the animals God had created, and God Himself walked with him. What else did Adam need? He needed human community.
God created us with a need for others.
So, God created Eve. Understanding the original language of the Bible is crucial. If you interpret the word “helper” through the lens of our current culture, you’ll think of an assistant or someone who provides help. This evokes an image of someone who is subservient, less than, or not equal. Like many other languages, one cannot directly translate a single word to another. It may require a phrase to convey the intended meaning. This also applies to the word “helper.”
“Helper” can be defined as: One who stands eye to eye. A complement that makes each other whole. A counterpart. An ally.
In our best situations, we need one another. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NLT) says, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
We are all part of the body of Christ. This call for community extends beyond merely attending Sunday worship services for an hour and a half. It involves cultivating strong and supportive relationships with Jesus-minded friends, both inside and outside the church.
The early church nurtured deep relationships. As followers of the Jesus Way, they were often misunderstood, which encouraged them to stick together and remain united.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Every day, these followers of Jesus met in the temple courts, but there was more. They gathered in small groups in homes and spent time together. They learned the apostles’ teachings, shared meals and Holy Communion, and prayed together.
Our schedules would need significant adjustments to meet every day. However, we could meet more than once a week if we prioritize it. Spiritual formation can take place in community groups or small groups. It’s not guaranteed if interactions remain surface-level.
Groups are life-giving when they embody depth, vulnerability, and commitment to spiritual transformation.
I feel blessed to meet with an accountability partner every Monday. Our meetings always begin by asking, “How is your soul?”
God desires us to become more like Jesus as we follow the Jesus Way. You can’t do it alone; you need community.
What is it about solitude and silence that makes us feel uncomfortable? The fear of living in solitude petrifies most people. Our fear of loneliness drives us to seek noise and crowds. We maintain a constant stream of sounds, even when we don’t pay attention. We have smartphones, earbuds, and social media platforms. Siri and Alexa are here to answer our questions, control gadgets in our homes, and even tell us knock-knock jokes. Then there’s Gemini, which promises to be our best friend.
Jesus calls us from loneliness to a place of solitude and rest.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
I love this paraphrase of the passage. It describes the rhythms of grace we experience when engaging in spiritual practices on the Jesus Way.
SOLITUDE
Solitude is a fundamental spiritual practice that is essential for spiritual formation. Although we may believe that reading God’s Word and prayer are more important, without silence and its companion, solitude, it becomes quite difficult to discern what the Spirit conveys to us as we read and pray.
We must not confuse solitude with loneliness. Loneliness is inner emptiness, while solitude is inner fulfillment. By nurturing inner solitude with Jesus, He liberates us from loneliness and fear.
The desire for solitude reflects a yearning for God. It embodies the wish to experience intimacy with Him, free from distractions. In this space, one can hear the divine whisper of Jesus more clearly.
Solitude is a state of mind and heart. There is a kind of solitude that can be experienced at all times. Crowds, or the lack thereof, have little to do with this inner solitude. One might live as a desert hermit yet never truly know solitude.
However, solitude is also a place. It is a moment in time designated for God and Him alone. We disconnect and retreat from the noise, busyness, and distractions of being around others. It is a space where God’s Spirit and our own spirit coexist. Whether we are alone or with others, we always carry a portable sanctuary within our hearts. Jesus embraced this inward heart solitude.
Solitude is also a physical location. Jesus often sought places of solitude.
Before beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit to go into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days.
Jesus went to places of solitude to seek God. There, He discovered the peace and presence of God. When we seek solitude, we, too, will find that peace and presence.
Silence is the constant companion of solitude. The two are inseparable. Without silence, there can be no genuine solitude. The practice of solitude and silence forms the foundation of the Jesus Way.
Although silence entails the absence of speech, it always requires the act of listening.
We often think of silence as simply being still, but it extends far beyond mere quietness. The practice of silence represents a radical reversal of our cultural tendencies. Silence requires relinquishing our so-called control over our relationship with God to Him. Silence is the inner act of letting go. We seek the quiet to discover God.
By engaging in this practice, we create a space for listening to God and being present with our inner longings.
Silence deepens our experience of solitude. We learn to rest in God. Jesus understands that the sources of our exhaustion are numerous. We often remain completely unaware of how they exact their toll. We might be adhering to a perceived duty of what it means to be a good follower of Jesus (or spouse, friend, or professional) with all the “oughts and shoulds.” It takes a lot of energy when we feel guilty about being tired, ill, or grieving, and attempt to suppress those feelings instead of addressing them. Eventually, all that effort wears us out.
We come to Jesus in silence to restore our souls.
We often underestimate the impact of our constantly plugged-in world. I recently listened to a podcast featuring a man who conducted an experiment. He decided to embark on a seven-week fast from technology. Before he began, he had his brain scanned for reference. There was an enlarged area in his brain that looked noticeable but wasn’t concerning. He fasted from technology and then spent four weeks living with monks in a monastery, followed by three weeks in an Amish village. The man described the withdrawals and panic attacks he experienced. Well into the fast, he began to enjoy the slower pace and appreciate each moment. Upon his return, he had another brain scan, and the enlarged part of his brain had shrunk significantly. While the experiment was not scientifically verified, the man’s experience warrants attention. What are we doing to ourselves by relying so heavily on technology?
When silence becomes a habit, we grow more sensitive and intentional with our words.
Silence is ultimately connected to trust. We will never allow God to take control until we trust Him. Practicing silence is one of the clearest signs (besides love) that we are following the Jesus Way.
Jesus invites you to slow down. Draw near to Him through solitude and silence. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start where you are, not where you feel you “should” be. Be realistic about your actual life. What can you honestly do? Let that be enough.
There have been times that my relationship with Jesus has felt dry. I can fulfill my “duties” as a follower of Jesus and a pastor, but if I’m not watchful, I slip into going-through-the-motions mode. I know better. God in His great mercy calls me back to my deep desire for Jesus.
Over a decade ago, I joined a cohort that changed my life. Everyone in the group was involved in church ministry, either as a pastor or a pastor’s wife. We were living for Jesus, serving Jesus, and yet feeling spiritually empty. It was there I learned that the way of Jesus doesn’t begin with doing. Doing emphasizes the external, not necessarily the condition of the heart. Following Jesus starts with being—longing to be in God’s presence and filled with His presence.
Being a disciple of Jesus begins with desire.
Desire is the deep yearning for knowing Jesus more and finding true life in Him.
Ruth Haley Barton, spiritual director and spiritual formation expert, says that Jesus “often brought focus and clarity to his interactions with those who were spiritually hungry by asking them, ‘What do you want? ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Such questions had the power to elicit deeply honest reflection in the person to whom they were addressed and opened the way for Christ to lead them into deeper levels of spiritual truth and healing.”
Mark 10:46-52 NIV Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Bartimaeus shows us what desiring Jesus looks like.
Cry out from the place of need. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
It wouldn’t be unusual to encounter a beggar on the side of the road. This road in Jericho was busy, even perilous. There sat Bartimaeus.
Suddenly, a crowd approached. Bartimaeus had highly developed senses that alerted him something significant was happening. He noticed the noise down the street, the pounding of feet on the ground, and the smell of dust in the air. He heard that Jesus was at the center of it all.
We don’t know exactly how much Bartimaeus knew about Jesus. Perhaps he had heard the prophecy that the Messiah would give sight to the blind. At the very least, he had heard the buzz about Jesus, the one who performed amazing miracles, including healing the deaf and restoring sight to the blind. Bartimaeus recognized that Jesus was someone special. He understood that Jesus could give him something far better than money. Jesus could restore his sight.
Bartimaeus was not timid. He didn’t care about being polite or offending anyone. He was in a state of desperation. He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
It can feel intimidating to acknowledge our needs, let alone express them openly. Most of us want to appear in control and have our lives in order. We can be completely honest with Jesus. There’s no shame in struggling or admitting we aren’t where we want to be in our relationship with Him. We can allow ourselves to be vulnerable. By recognizing our deep dependence on Jesus, we are free to pursue Him.
Here’s another remarkable aspect about Bartimaeus. He was one of the first disciples, apart from the inner circle of apostles, to declare Jesus as the Messiah. The title Son of David was specifically reserved for the Messiah. Jesus never corrected him or told him to stop proclaiming His Messiahship.
Let’s remember who we cry out to in our times of great need: Jesus, the Messiah, God the Son, the Lover of our Souls, who loves to make Himself more deeply known to us.
Leave behind your cloak.
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus had called him, he immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up, and went to Jesus. This action is astounding.
If you lived in Palestine during the first century, your cloak would probably be your most valued possession. You likely could afford only one. Cloaks were costly, thick, and heavy garments designed for multiple purposes. You would wear it as a coat in cold weather and use it as a blanket at night. Bartimaeus would spread his cloak in front of him during the day to collect any coins that passersby might toss his way. For Bartimaeus, his cloak was all he had. It served as protection from harsh weather, a blanket at night, and a tool of his trade.
It would have been understandable for Bartimaeus to cling to his cloak as a precaution. Just in case Jesus couldn’t or wouldn’t heal him. Just in case his sight wasn’t restored. Just in case he had to keep begging for the rest of his life.
But Bartimaeus had no backup plan. He trusted in Jesus completely, and he knew that his encounter with Jesus would change his life forever.
Do you have a cloak? Do you find yourself hiding or isolating? Do you rely on predictable comfort, self-protection, or self-sufficiency? How do you feel about casting aside your cloak and running to Jesus with trust? Do you want to be well? Do you believe that Jesus is more than enough? You might need time to wrestle with these questions. When you are ready, know that Jesus is waiting. You can cast aside your cloak and run to Jesus. Let your desire lead you to Him.
Name your desire in Jesus’ presence. Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He is blind. Jesus can see clearly that he is blind. Naturally, he wants to regain his sight. However, there is power in naming your desire to Jesus. Jesus wants him to express it because doing so makes Bartimaeus’s need clearer and enhances his faith.
Bartimaeus didn’t hesitate. “Rabbi, I want to see.” He named his desire. Jesus didn’t need dramatic gestures. In a moment, without any fuss, Bartimaeus received what he had asked for. Suddenly, Bartimaeus could see. His darkness had ended, and the sunshine replaced it.
Jesus’ words affirmed Bartimaeus: “Go, your faith has healed you.” There was a prevalent belief that disabled individuals were more sinful than others or that sin played a role somehow. But, Jesus emphasized Bartimaeus’ faith. Sin had not caused his blindness; his faith led to his healing. He stepped forward despite the crowd’s opposition and trusted Jesus wholeheartedly.
Sometimes we hesitate to express our desires to Jesus. In these moments, silence is not golden. Pride can stand in the way. Fear can stand in the way. Feeling unworthy can stand in the way. None of these feelings come from God. The devil can wreak havoc in our minds when we remain silent and hesitant to speak out. When we declare our needs to Jesus, the darkness of secrecy is stripped away.
Similar to Bartimaeus, Jesus invites you to voice your needs. When you do, your needs become clearer, and your faith is reinforced. Jesus is lovingly attentive; He longs to meet you at your point of desire. He wants to transform your life.
Follow Jesus in a new way. “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
Jesus said, “Go.” Bartimaeus now had the freedom to go wherever he wished. He chose to follow Jesus and set off with the crowd. They made their way to Jerusalem in time for Passover. Bartimaeus had another special reason for going. He intended to make a sacrifice at the Temple to thank God for restoring his sight. Bartimaeus was no longer a helpless beggar; he had been given a new life.
God gives sight to the blind. God opens our eyes to see Jesus too. When we are healed from spiritual blindness, we understand who Jesus is and surrender to His way. We come to Jesus with desire to pursue Him and to know Him more deeply. A desire so intense and profound fills our hearts, ready for expression.
Following Jesus is more wonderful, amazing, freeing, powerful, and life-giving than we can ever wrap our minds around.
Ephesians 3:17-21 NIV And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Way of Jesus is about being with Jesus before doing for Him. It’s discipleship. It’s following Jesus closely because of our desire for Him. First things first.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:1 NIV).
The first verse in Genesis describes the state of our Earth before God began creation. We only know what it’s like to have light and dark, sky and seas, land and vegetation, sun, moon, and stars, and animals. We haven’t experienced anything else. Farther back than any human can remember, the Earth was formless, empty, and dark. This describes chaos.
The next phrase tells us that the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Chaos existed, but the Spirit of God was present as well. He brought order from chaos, making everything perfect and beautiful. Humanity was created in God’s image. Until the fall. Then, God’s image and His grand design were marred. God’s original design was shattered, returning to chaos.
Last year was challenging. January and February were hard as well. Health problems, mental health struggles, family challenges, job issues, relationship troubles—everything started to fall apart. At times, I could barely catch my breath from one situation before another followed closely behind.
I don’t want to speak too soon. Right now things are better.
The truth is, occasionally, we all find ourselves groaning amidst the chaos that is a part of life.
On a larger scale, injustice affects our world. The poor, individuals experiencing homelessness, and other marginalized groups bear the burden of oppression. Their cries resonate with our heavenly Father, who cares deeply and is outraged by how His children are treated. Our world groans under the chaos of suffering. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to love everyone and to speak out against injustice. At times, we need to step into the chaos alongside others, bringing the light and hope of Jesus. We need to do what we can to address tangible needs.
You may be experiencing chaos, or you may have found relief on the other side. My heart goes out to you as a fellow sojourner. To slightly modify a popular saying, “Life is hard, AND God is good” (I replaced ‘but’ with ‘and’). The goodness of God does not necessarily diminish or eliminate the pain of chaos. Rather, in the midst of chaos, we can discover God and His goodness there.
“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping” (Matt. 28:23-24 NLT).
A fierce storm arose, but Jesus remained undisturbed. As the waves crashed into the boat, He rested peacefully, knowing He had authority over the wind and the waves. Jesus was calm amidst the chaos.
The disciples would be safe with Him in the boat.
The disciples, however, were terrified. They woke Jesus up. “Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm” (Matt. 28:26b).
Jesus remained calm amidst the chaos, and He brought peace to the turmoil.
We often lack control over chaos, but Jesus does.
He is in the chaos WITH us.
He has power OVER the chaos.
We are never by ourselves.
We can always trust Jesus and find Him IN the chaos, no matter how intense it might be.
When life unravels and chaos intensifies, reach out to Jesus. He’s just one prayer away.
When I was a young married woman before children, I loved to spend time with the Lord in prayer. My church at the time taught us to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as a template. The goal was to pray for one hour each day. In fact, one hour was the minimum if anyone wanted to be “spiritual.”
And then the babies started coming…four in four and a half years, plus a straggler. I couldn’t go to the bathroom without getting interrupted. Forget about prayer! I struggled with prayer for years, wanting to spend time with Jesus and never getting enough. It was a tough season.
And then the Lord taught me something through a cartoon of all things. It showed a woman in deep prayer and reverence. Chaos broke out in the background, and the kids started shouting. The mom raised her head and shrieked, “Shut up! I’m trying to pray!” The Holy Spirit convicted me.
I was pursuing a prayer life instead of a praying life.
A prayer life is about the act of praying, the outward expressions, the checking off the box on your spiritual checklist. It might even be for show to demonstrate what a mature Christian you are because your prayers sound so poetic and religious.
A praying life keeps things simple. It’s a way of holistic way of living in communion with Jesus in which your heart, soul, mind, and body are engaged. Your life is saturated with prayer as you seek to do everything that you do with the Lord (Dallas Willard).
We tend to make prayer complicated.
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) describes the simplicity and humble posture of prayer. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Continue reading verses 9 to 13 for Jesus’ beautiful prayer model.
How do we pursue the simplicity of a praying life?
1. We cannot wait for the noise to stop before we pray.
Rarely will life quiet down long enough so we can pray. We all have active monkeys vying for our attention.
The outer monkeys. Have you heard, “Five little monkey jumping on the bed”? Twenty-five years ago, I had those every day. There other outer monkeys: work, school, extra activities. All good things. But there is never enough time in the day, and we may feel that we are too busy to pray. We can prioritize prayer and actually put it on our calendar. This can create space for a prayer life, but then we still need to work toward a praying life. We can pray as we go.
The inner monkeys. Henri Nouwen talks about inner monkeys. When we sit down and become quiet, we think, “’Oh, I forgot this. I should call my friend. Later on I’m going to see him.’ Your inner life is like a banana tree filled with monkeys jumping up and down.”
Instead of fighting off the monkeys, invite them into your prayers. As a thought enters your mind, turn it into a prayer. I think about my mom and her health; I can pray for her and ask God to heal her. I think about a situation at work; I can thank God that He has given me wisdom and that He is answering. I think about what I should make for dinner; I can thank God that He provides for my family, or I can ask Him to bless all the people who played a part in getting food to the table.
2. Our prayers don’t require many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, “God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
There is an ancient practice called “Breath Prayer.” You breathe in. As you breathe out, you say a prayer. A classic breath prayer is “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”
Other breath prayers are: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” “Here I am, Lord.” “When I am afraid, I will trust you.”
The simplest prayers can link earth to eternity. The Lord isn’t impressed by our words or poetic delivery. Years ago, I was part of a Moms in Prayer group. We met once a week to pray for our kids. A new woman, Jenny, joined our group. She was a newer believer and very nervous about praying out loud. We encouraged her for weeks that God wasn’t concerned about her words. He saw her heart. One day I felt really burden about my children. A few women prayed for my request, and I didn’t really feel anything. Then, Jenny took a step of faith and prayed. “Lord, please help Joddi-Jay.” I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit and started to cry. God responded to simple words from a sincere heart.
3. Prayer is about communion, not just communication.
I learned a lot about communion in high school. I lived in a farming community 40 miles from my high school. During the summer, I had no way into town to see my friends. So I walked around my stepdad’s 40 acres of property. I took walks with God along the dirt roads. Sometimes I talked; other times I listened. The walks were glorious because I knew God was with me. I experienced that prayer didn’t only happen during sacred times or in sacred places like a church building. Prayer happened outside on dusty roads with a teenage girl and Jesus. I cherished those days.
Communion with God can be found anywhere. Brother Lawrence discovered this truth long before I did. A 17th century monk, Brother Lawrence dedicated his life to acquiring the presence of God. His early ambitions for spiritual status were not realized. He was assigned to the kitchen and soon Brother Lawrence committed himself to worshiping the Lord there. He prayed and communed with God during every task. Peeling potatoes and scrubbing pots and pans were opportunities to commune with the Lord. His story is written in the book called, The Practice of the Presence of God.
Brother Lawrence showed us that outer activity and inner communion occur at the same time. We miss out on all that God has for us when we divide the two. We live on both levels simultaneously, and the most meaningless activity can be a means of prayerful worship.
How is your praying life? God has so much of His presence for us to experience. As we practice His presence during mundane tasks, we will be able to follow the Apostle Paul’s instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Respond to God’s invitation to pursue a praying life with simplicity.
*What if Jesus Was Serious About Prayer? by Skye Jethani provided some content for this post.
The J Word 