Seasons

Savoring the presence of Jesus, as I contemplate a verse, a passage or a picture the Bible paints is a life enhancing gift. I love reading the Bible and, then at some moment, a verse or God's message jumps out. It might be as if the text gets bold or just stops me as I read. The study of the original language and the meaning of those original words paint such pictures. I love to savor those pictures from God: about God, about life, about reality. Savoring God's message. Savoring God's presence. Savoring is a 
gift.

One verse that grabbed me is Jeremiah 20:9,"But if I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!"

Our closeness to Christ can be described as seasons. Seasons of intimacy. Seasons of casualness. Seasons of distance. Seasons of pain and sorrow. Seasons of action and adventure. Seasons of risk and unknown.

Here, it seems like Jeremiah is wrestling with a rough season and might be contemplating taking a break from God and his ministry. During this break of unknown time, God's Word burns in his heart. I wonder what that word was. Was it a passage from the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible? Was it the Holy Spirit revealing God's fresh message? Was it the Messiah, Himself, The Word before becoming flesh stirring in his heart? Was it just living in the beautiful moment of being alive with God overwhelming him? Was it seeing and experiencing creation that stunned him in worshiping God? Was it a friend who showed God's kind and sacrificial love that deeply touched his soul?

Jeremiah does not tell us. But, we know what it was, don't we? We know that heart-filling experience. We know that refueling of hope. We know that breath of fresh spiritual air that is so life giving. We know that invisible touch of Jesus that only Jesus can give.

When was your last savor with the Savior?
What did that joy-filled Savior do in your soul last?
How did that refreshing soul caretaker infuse hope in you?
Or do you need a moment to savor, to contemplate, to connect with Jesus?

Remember Jeremiah 20:9, when we savor the Savior, we cannot keep that life-giving and enhancing moment silent. Savoring our Savior impacts those around us.

Taking time to savor.
Pastor Chris