The Book of Psalms is known as a worshipful and uplifting collection of songs. There are some favorites, like Psalm 23.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need (v.s 1 NLT). Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (v. 4).
Or Psalm 136.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever (v. 1).
Or Psalm 150.
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! (vv. 1-2).
It’s true that the Psalms are beautiful and poetic. Some are also raw, gloomy, and desperate. King David and other authors did not hide their emotions; they approached God honestly. All of it is worship. Sometimes we mistakenly think we need to come to God with a happy face and heart. Come to Jesus as you are.
I was recently deeply moved by Psalm 89. I encourage you to read it. Little is known about the author. His name was Ethan the Ezrahite. He was a young man at King David’s court, well known for his wisdom.
The first 37 verses praise the Lord’s unconditional love and honor Him for His creation. King David is lifted up as one whose dynasty will last forever, but it depends on his descendants’ obedience.
Suddenly, verses 48 through 51 take a sharp turn. David faces rejection and defeat by his enemies. His former glory has faded, and God’s anger burns against him like fire. David is insulted and disgraced. What just happened?
And then, the last verse comes out of nowhere.
Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen! (v. 52)
The ending of the psalm holds significance.
There is strength in expressing gratitude. I don’t mean pretending everything is okay when it’s not. Honesty is the best policy, and God knows anyway.
Instead, no matter what is happening in your life, you can praise the Lord amidst it all. Don’t focus on the problem. Yes, it’s there. Focus on the solution, which is always Jesus!
The other day, I was dealing with a bad attitude. I was tired and not feeling well (not a good excuse). I complained, “Lord, I don’t want to take my medicine!” Can you hear the whiny tone of voice?
The Lord gently replied, “Why not praise me that you have medicine that helps?”
I responded, “But I don’t want to have to take it.”
The Lord patiently coached, “Why not praise me that you are alive today to take the medicine?”
His words pierced my heart. I praised Jesus from the depths of my soul for the life He had given me, and for His never-ending love.
No matter what happens in your life, praise the Lord through it all. At the very least, end your day by praising the Lord.
I believe I understand why Ethan the Ezrahite concluded the psalm with praise. In his wisdom, he recognized that praise and worship are the best responses. No matter what you’re going through right now, praise the Lord in the middle of it all.
Always praise the Lord. As a follower of Jesus, you’ll be doing that forever.
Last week I attended my fortieth class reunion. A few days before, my daughter asked me what I would tell my eighteen-year-old self. I thought hard about it and decided to write myself a letter. There were actually so many things I wanted to share. I could probably write a book, but I condensed it to a letter. Here’s what I decided would be important.
Dear Eighteen-Year-Old Self,
I’m here to share some wisdom gained over time that you might find hard to believe or understand. Still, I hope you’ll hold onto these words and keep them in mind for when the time is right.
You love Jesus, which is the best foundation for life. He has changed your heart in many ways, and your passion to follow Him every day will give you strength. As you seek to know Jesus more, you will be transformed to become like Him. That is your deep desire, but it won’t happen the way you imagine. The journey is long and not easy.
Right now, you believe that faith will protect you from suffering and sickness. If you have enough faith in the Word of God, you will be blessed with financial and personal prosperity. That’s what you’re being taught now, and you look to your mentors as stellar examples. However, this is an incomplete teaching. In fact, this way of thinking actually diminishes faith, making it about you and what you can gain rather than how you can bless Jesus and others.
The way of Jesus is the way of sacrifice and suffering. Our human nature hates accepting this truth. Nevertheless, it is part of God’s upside-down Kingdom where true meaning is found.
The path of Jesus is one of sacrifice and suffering. Our human nature resists accepting this truth. However, it is part of God’s upside-down Kingdom where true purpose is discovered.
Following the way of Jesus means to sacrifice.
~The first shall be last. ~Carry your cross every day. ~Love your enemies. ~Take care of people who cannot repay you. ~It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~Turn the other cheek. ~Be a servant of all.
Jesus left the perfection of heaven for us. He ministered to the crowds even when He was exhausted. Jesus stayed true to His mission despite being misunderstood, hated, and ultimately crucified. He laid down His life for us, the ultimate sacrifice. You already know all this, but you haven’t had many chances to practice it. Life will require you to sacrifice more than you can imagine. View it as a way to love Jesus and others as Jesus loves you.
Following Jesus involves accepting suffering.
You may face the consequences of your own choices or end up in a broken world filled with broken people. Sometimes, it will make no sense. Even during the darkest moments – and they will come – Jesus, through His Spirit, is always there.
When we suffer, it opens a door to our soul if we lean on Jesus. Suffering smooths out the jagged edges of who God has created us to be. There will be seasons in life that are excruciating. Suffering is the crucible in which you will learn to trust Jesus more, along with perseverance.
You might hit rock bottom. Know with all your heart that Jesus is with you as your Rock. He will uphold you, and keep you from drowning.
You are loved by the God who has given you everything. He loves you and values you unconditionally. You don’t need to strive for perfection. His love for you isn’t based on your performance. Understanding the depth and profoundness of Jesus’ love will bring you true freedom.
You will not find validation through people, not even your husband. Over time, you will realize that God’s promise to teach you His “love through your relationship with Jonathan” means something different than you expect. In your marriage, you will face trials and pain together. Jesus, through His Spirit, will surround you with the love you long for. You will experience His enduring faithfulness. You have found the one in whom your soul delights.
However, life is not meant to be lived alone. You can’t grow in your relationship with Jesus in isolation. Being part of a community is essential—a small group of people with mutual love, accountability, honesty, vulnerability, and trust. It may take a while to figure this out, but someday you will discover the life-giving blessing.
Your life verse will be: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31). Aim to live this out in every way.
There are many more lessons I’ve learned, but you’ll discover them along the way. You have what it takes as you spend time with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
Grace and peace to you! ❤️
Your fifty-eight-year-old self
Maybe you aren’t eighteen years old, but something in this letter touched you. Keep it close to your heart. We are all on a journey of faith, becoming more of who Jesus created us to be, if we let Him. Jesus has the wholeness of soul you seek. He will sit with you in your brokenness. Often, He will bring healing; other times, He will give you the strength and hope during your weakest moments.
Trust Jesus to work in your life, no matter if you’re eighteen or eighty-eight (or older).
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.
It’s the day after Easter. We have just wrapped up a profound season of consecration and sacrifice. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, we dedicated ourselves to fasting, abstinence, prayer, and generosity. Our goal was to prepare our hearts for Holy Week. We experienced an emotional roller coaster during Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and the brutal beating and crucifixion of Jesus. It all culminated in the miraculous and powerful resurrection of Christ. Hallelujah! He is risen!
Easter was a time of fun, rejoicing, and special worship. Much planning goes into the worship service, a remarkable feat aimed at glorifying our risen King.
Now, the Easter season is done. We’ve put away the church displays and decor. My adrenaline has dropped. I am tired, but it’s a good tired. Everything is back to normal. Now what do we do?
The best news is Easter isn’t over! Jesus is still alive. The devil is still defeated. The power of sin and death is still broken. The kingdom of heaven is still a place of victory. Hallelujah! He is risen! Still!
The holy season has passed, and Jesus is still alive.
Hopefully, because of this season, we have changed.
Our faith has deepened as we have spent time with Jesus.
We are kind and compassionate as we have followed the way of Jesus.
Love flows from our hearts as we have sought to become more like Jesus.
We may observe Easter for a set period of time. But we can be ever-growing and ever-transformed.
We are blessed to walk with Jesus each day through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now is not the time to pack up your faith. It’s time to turn up the heat. Learn to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31).
Easter may be over for this year, but our journey with Jesus has just begun.
The J Word 