Knowing vs. Knowing about

Ok- I'm addicted. The more I spend time alone simply listening for Him, resting in Him, waiting on Him...the more I want of it. Time spent alone with Jesus satisfies such a deep need within my soul. As I write I'm sitting on my front porch, the scent of honeysuckle swirling on the cool breeze around me, the first few stars in the dusky sky, the crickets and birds filling the air with a song, and I'm certain I'm in love. It's like for the first time, I'm really alive. I really accept myself, because he adores me. I can handle my faults and imperfections without hating myself for them, because He is using them to bring glory to His name.

Time alone with Him puts everything aright within me. Things are as they should be. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, nothing surprises or disappoints Him...therefore why should I be weighed down by things on my mind? Rather, I bring them to Jesus. I cast my troubles on Him, because He CARES for me! (1 Peter 5:7).

I love how the Bible is full of so much goodness, even a romance story! Song of Solomon can make me laugh- can you imagine a guy telling you your eyes are like doves? Hmm...thanks? But in so many ways it speaks of the tender, intimate love that Christ has for us, and for His bride, the church. It reminds us what pure, Godly romance can look like! It's easy to have that muddled up here on earth.

I love this verse: "Tell me where you're working- I love you so much. Tell me where you're tending your flocks, where you let them rest at noontime. Why should I be the one left out- outside the orbit of your tender care?" (Song of Solomon 1:7 Msg.)

It's absolutely the way I feel right now. Tell me where You will be- I'll be there. Tell me where to find You- I'll go. I don't want to miss another minute of Your presence. I just want to hang out with You all the time- where You're working, or resting. Why should I be sidelined? Draw me close, I want nothing else!

See, the difference between knowing ABOUT Jesus and knowing Jesus is exponential. How many years did I spend in the church, fighting my sins, fighting my self-doubt, self-hatred...and missing it all! Missing the best part. Missing the opportunity to be loved completely. It's a love that changes you from the inside out, that mends what's broken, that makes beautiful things out of dust. That makes you brand new.

Give Him your brokenness and He will create something beautiful. You'll never be the same.