Deeper relationship

Do you believe now? (John 16:31)

Toddlers and teenagers seem to “know” everything, don’t they? “I know how to swim,” declares the three-year-old. “Be careful.” “I know, Mom,” spouts the new teen driver as she rolls her eyes in exasperation. Almost any explanation offered is cut short with “I know.” And so often, you know they don’t really know.

That’s how Jesus must have felt when the disciples told him, “We believe that you came from God” (John 16:30). He knew they didn’t really know—he even warned that they would scatter and abandon him. 

There Jesus was, on the eve of his death, exhorting his disciples to take courage. He was the One about to face gruesome trials, and yet he was peaceful enough to offer comfort to his friends. All because he knew—he really knew—that the Father was with him. The disciples assented to the truth and value of what Jesus had told them, but Jesus’ “knowing” went beyond logical assent. It was rooted in a deep, personal, ongoing connection with the Father. Because of that connection, he was able to hold fast when the others couldn’t.

That same “knowing” that Jesus had is for you, too. You are created for it! You are fearfully, wonderfully, and exactly made so that you can know, as Jesus did on earth, God’s presence in you. Not in theory alone, but in actual practice. You can know it because Jesus died and rose, ascended to the Father, and sent his Holy Spirit to live in your heart. He did all this so that you could live in peace and live courageously every day, knowing that he has overcome death for you.

Take a few minutes right now to tell Jesus that you want these truths to take root inside you. Ask him to make it even more personal to you. And then hold on to that connection as you go about your day. When situations arise that shake your confidence or threaten your peace, turn to the Lord, and ask, “What are you thinking right now? What do you want to tell me here?” Listen for his answer. He may surprise you, but he will always reassure you and comfort you.

“Jesus, take me into a deeper relationship with you. I want to know you better today than yesterday.”

from wau.org