looking

In order to walk closely with Jesus I must make it a habit of looking for him, knowing where he is, and being aware of his movements. Paying attention allows me to see and hear more clearly. I must use every option I have to remove unnecessary distractions which keep the scales on my eyes. I must grow to the place where I am able to fix my eyes on only Jesus.

I spoke to group of nearly one hundred college students who were packed inside a living room. The topic that had come up was why God, at times, seems to be so distant and why it can be so hard to hear him. To make a point, I asked everyone in the room to start talking out loud to one another. Then I begin to speak the words,

“I love you. Come to me and I will give you rest for your souls. If you are thirsty, come to me and drink. I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly. Let me speak words of truth to you. Let me tell you how beautiful, unique, and wonderfully made you are. I long for your companionship. You are mine. I have deep affection for you. I have given you a name: ‘Beloved’.”

After getting everyone to calm down and refocus, I asked if anyone could repeat the words I said. Not one single person could repeat even one word.

And so it is too often similar with our companionship with Jesus. He continues to speak, yet I too often find myself too preoccupied, distracted, and drowning in noise and activity to be in a place to hear anything he has to say.

There are even times I am busy with things done in the name of Christianity and I am not in a place to be able to hear him. Ministry, if that is my primary focus, can distract me from Jesus too. Jesus must be the focus. Ministry is a natural reaction or overflow from a deep love for Jesus. It’s not the primary target.

Am I in a position to hear him?

Am I listening?

Am I paying attention?