The Person not the Concept

S -"“I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. …  He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me.”" Acts 2 TS

O -  These thoughts originally come from Psalm 16 and are a direct reference to Jesus (according to the Scriptures). In Jesus they also have a direct application to all who love him. The source of joy, confidence, hope and life is a person and his presence with us and in us. Repelling fear, living in hope and maintaining a joyful commentary do not come from any circumstance or the embrace of a concept or principle. Regardless of the situation and/or its cause the path of vibrant irrepressible life and all it entails is available exclusively in the experience of his person and presence. 

A -  This relational dynamic awaits any and all. It is not me trying to pretend or practice the reality of his presence or imagining that he is near. The hope and confidence identified are not generated by us but received from the person of Jesus. This has been my consistent experience day by day and situation by situation the last nine years. In life’s challenges and hardships, I don’t always start in this reality but if I’m willing I can always experience it. Jesus affirms, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you (John 14).” It is amazing because he is absolutely amazing.

P -  Lord who is literally near,

Thank you for your open-ended invitation to come near and stay near. Thank you for your defiant mercy and relentless love. You yourself are life, hope, confidence and joy. I am grateful to be living in and with you.

All my love,

Steve