Psalm 46:11

Psalm 46:11 - Be still and know that I am God. 

One of my friends introduced me to the idea of "Jesus Dates" where you take some time out of every week to just spend some time with the big man Himself, however you feel most connected with Him. For some people it's in a run, for others it's in a chapel, for me, it's alone with a journal and bible usually just in my room. 

Typically during this time I choose a verse that speaks to me and just allow myself to sit with it. Often times I'm inspired or write something down that I believe is important which then will usually develop into one of these blog postings. When I came upon this verse today I was immediately reminded of my date time with Jesus or really the lack thereof that occurred this week. In the hectic week and even more activity filled weekend, I had completely forgotten to pause and take time with Him. And my heart was feeling it. 

Seeing as this verse was the one that reminded me that I was in need of my Jesus Date for this week, I decided to go ahead and use it as my "meditation" piece, if you will.

And what an incredible choice that was. 

Instead of writing this time, I simply sat with Jesus and embraced what this verse says, to "be still". My heart was feeling heavy and I began to unpack the load. I allowed myself to feel each of the emotions from the past week that I had packed up in my heart because I didn't have the time to deal with them then. There were tears, there were smiles, there were moments of silence and pain, but at the end, there was peace. I felt a warmness in my heart and imagined Jesus hugging me, holding me, and telling me He loved me.

Ooohhhffflllaaaa. I don't know if you've ever done that last part, but I highly recommend it. Even now I'm getting goose bumps thinking about it. It's just so comforting and an incredible reminder that the Savior of the ENTIRE WORLD cares for you and will listen to you and your problems. That's right. Little old beautiful wonderfully made and with a heart that Jesus desires to hold, you. 

In today's society we place a lot of value on what it is we're doing, where we're going, and who we're seeing. When we spend time with Jesus we're spending time connecting with and building a relationship with the man who died on a cross for our sins, a relationship that will help lead us to the pearly gates of Heaven, where we'll see Jesus, God the Father, the angels, and so many other wonderful and unimaginable sights. So, why don't we place more value on this?

My challenge to you all this week is to set aside one hour, just ONE hour of the 168 this week, and spend it in reflection with God. If the idea of just sitting and reflecting as I described isn't your style, I would recommend finding the way you feel most connected to God and doing that for an hour with the intentions of seeing Jesus in the activity and allowing Him to speak through that. Also, if the title "Jesus Date" doesn't fit you or isn't manly enough for the guys reading this, come up with something that feels comfortable for you. The title or the method are not important here, what is important is the time spent and the relationship being deepened.

Praying for all of you readers, God Bless!