Where is Jesus?

Recently, I have been running a lonely race.  I look all around, and nothing looks familiar to me anymore.  Where is Jesus?

I distinctly remember chasing after something, but now I can’t recall what got me running in this direction in the first place.  What was so important that I left the comfort of my Savior’s peace?

Oh, yeah.  I remember starting a new job.  I remember thinking I could take on the ship when I never learned to sail.  That didn’t end well.

I remember the physical pain a new flare caused.  Was that frustration and anger I felt at God?  I think it was.

And my writing. I knew where I was going.  I remember thinking I didn’t need to consult God anymore because I had this figured out.  That sounds about right.

Finally, where was my protection?  God knew I needed protection, so why didn’t He protect me?  I remember feeling pouty and justified, and I am pretty sure God didn’t want to stick around for that tantrum.

Circle of Light

Recently, I was praying to Jesus asking for Him to draw me closer.  He gave me this imagery during my prayer that made me both smile and realize the danger I was in.  He was standing in this circle of light, and I was hanging back.  His arms were outstretched and His smile was big, warm, and genuine.

He said, “Come here child!”

I felt like Jesus really wanted me.  He really wanted ME back into His arms.  Haven’t I been completely unlovable, ungrateful, and disobedient lately?

“Are you sure, Jesus?”

“Yes, child.  Come here.  I’ve missed you!”

When I closed my eyes in submission and prayed a prayer to draw Him near, Jesus showed me that He never left.  I was the one who chose to stand in the shadows.

I also saw billowing dark grey clouds on the outskirts of Jesus’ circle of light.  It was then that I realized I was at the edge of this cloud just outside of Jesus’ circle.  He was asking me to come to Him.  It was my choice to stay hidden or move closer to Him.

I stepped forward and immediately was engulfed in His embrace.  Jesus was so happy, and He wanted to see ME!  I couldn’t believe it.

Those Dark Clouds

I instantly knew what the clouds meant.  When I chase a squirrel that takes me down a path not lit by Jesus, I am lost in the darkness of the clouds.  I can no longer see the squirrel, and I can no longer see Jesus.

He wants us to remain close to Him because His circle of light will show our given path as He moves forward—not when we move forward.  We need to go at His pace, and He will light our way.  When we dash ahead, we are completely on our own. We are the prey without our protector.

I have thought about this image a lot lately as I am submitting to Him and walking within His light.  My real lesson is how to stay here permanently, trust in Him completely, and walk in step with Him slowly no matter what storms may come.

Our options are to either view what is within the circumference that Jesus lights for us or run ahead and attempt to feel around for the squirrel we can no longer see in the dark.

His arms are outstretched no matter how far we have roamed, or what lie of the enemy we believed to get there.  When we call upon Him, He asks us to step into His light and into His arms.  Let His warmth wash over you.

Let that squirrel go.                          

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