What are you saying to me personally, Lord?
by Carolyn Ehrlich
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They kept asking, ‘What does he mean by “a little while”? We don’t understand what he is saying’ (John 16:18).
Jesus had told his disciples that they would see him in a little while, they would not see him anymore, and then after a little while, they would see him. The disciples did not understand what Jesus was telling them. The disciples had been with Jesus since his ministry began, but they did not understand. Instead of asking Jesus what he meant, they discussed it among themselves.
How often do we do that? How often do we discuss among ourselves what Jesus meant? Although discussion is good and often healthy, unless we ask Jesus to help us develop a real and meaningful relationship with him, we rely on others to help us interpret what ‘things’ mean.
These ‘things’ might refer to experiences we have in our lives. They might be about how to interpret and understand God’s teaching through Scriptures, or they might be any of a number of different parts of our lives. Although we might discuss things with our best friends and those we believe to be our wisest counsel, humans interpret things through human filters. Instead, ask Jesus.
How often do you turn to Jesus when you are confused or unsure about what he says to you personally? How often do you ask him to help you understand? How often do you lean into your personal relationship with Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Are you holding up your part in that relationship? Ask and then look, listen, and obey.
After all, later in verse 24, Jesus says, ‘Ask in my name and you will receive, and your joy will be complete’. Listen in the silence. Be sure to listen for his whisper rather than listening only for shouts. Through the Holy Spirit, our relationship with Jesus is personal. Ask, look, listen. And the best bit – ‘your joy will be complete’. Ask Jesus today to help you deepen your personal relationship with him through the Holy Spirit to understand what he is saying to you so that your joy is complete.
Father God, thank you that I can rely on your promises. Thank you for your promise that my joy will be complete when I receive the things I ask for in Jesus’ name. Today, I ask that you help me deepen my relationship with you. Help me hear the whispers of your Holy Spirit. Help me stand in your light and understand what your word means in my life. In Jesus’ awesome name, I pray. Amen.
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