Encounter Jesus
Written by Sarah Gooden | 11th February 2023
I don’t know about you but I like to do a bit of a reset every January, I'm not great at New Year’s resolutions however, I like to look ahead and see how this year can be better/different to the last.
This year I felt God speak about creating more opportunities for ENCOUNTER with HIM.
In His presence I AM CHANGED.
My heart longs to know more, to have greater intimacy to be.. CONSECRATED. CAPTIVATED, UNDONE.
Laying everything at Jesus feet.
EVERY decision, every difficulty, every question, every fear, every aspect of my life, simply lay it at Jesus feet.
SURRENDER.
Honestly, I’ve had a really full-on start to the year, so many unexpected situations have arisen, some terrifying, some exciting, some so difficult. But I've felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to bring everything to Jesus’ feet and lay it down. So instead of trying to navigate each situation on my own, in my own strength (as I usually do), I’ve been trying to be intentional about laying them all at Jesus feet and asking for him to help. I don’t know why I’m surprised each time, but the strength I’ve found from simply coming, and laying every situation at the feet of Jesus, has massively relieved me of the burden, the stress, the not knowing which foot to put forward next. I have freshly discovered that by being in his presence, he has renewed my strength, filled me with peace and hope, love, confidence and life. Reminding me again that He is faithful, and I have seen him transform situation after situation, often in a completely different way to what I had thought. He has been my comfort, my help, he’s been my joy and my wisdom. He is EVERYTHING I need even when situations have been tough!
I had every intention to create more time to be with Jesus this year and if anything my time available has shrunk, yet I have found that just a few minutes of being in his presence has impacted me daily and renewed my hope.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
I've seen him make a way where there was no way, and bring hope to situations I had long given up on.
HE IS the solution to EVERYTHING!
I urge you to make space, even if it’s only moments to begin with.
‘Earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you…’ Psalm 63:1
It’s from regular encounter that we can know intimacy. In His presence He renews our hearts and minds, changes our perspective and alters our thinking. It's from encounter we find healing, hope, joy, breakthrough, LOVE, breath-taking relationship and supernatural creativity. We begin to really KNOW Him, begin to dream with him, have faith to see His kingdom come in our neighbourhoods, coffee shops, workplaces, friendships and family. We battle for loved ones and friends, and bravely deal with disappointment. Choosing to lay down our fears and unbelief and watch as he does the impossible. We receive forgiveness, allowing Him to melt away shame and He strengthens and transforms us so we can reveal aspects of his heart and character to those around us every day.
Do you want greater connection with the creator of the universe, the one who KNOWS you and loves you COMPLETELY? Do you want breath-taking intimacy with Jesus? How about making opportunity for encounter, make this year a year of encounter, with time in His presence. Simply sit at His feet and lay down every decision, every problem, every fear, and watch as he works in your life and those around you.
Do you want to be fully alive and know life in abundance?
‘I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance’. John 10:10
Fix your eyes upon JESUS
He is the image of the invisible God
He is the first and last, the beginning and the end!
He is the keeper of creation and the creator of all!
He is the architect of the universe and the manager of all times!
He always was, He always is and He always will be unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone!
He was bruised and brings healing!
He was pierced and eases pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings peace!
He is light, and love, and Lord!
He is goodness, kindness, gentleness and the Son of God!
He is holy, righteous, mighty, powerful and pure!
His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging and His mind is on me.
He is the way, the truth and the life.
He is my Redeemer, my Saviour, my guide and my peace!
He is my joy, my comfort, my Lord and He rules my life!
His burden is light and His goal for me is abundant life!
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come! His is King.
He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me and never overlook me!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
He is faithful. He is good, He is love
I am His and He is mine!
Fix your eyes upon Jesus.
Let’s do this
Each of us will encounter Jesus in a different way, find your way. I have had some of the best encounters with Jesus when I am walking at the beach or in the forest, it maybe whilst you do something creative, it may be sitting still and meditating on His word or drinking coffee in your favourite space. It maybe whilst doing something you love to do... Find your way, it may be loud, it may be quiet. BE YOU :)
Top Tips (or at least things that are helpful for me to get started)
Make time, be intentional
Start with thankfulness (thanking Him even when you’re in a tough place opens your heart towards Him and allows Him to meet you - HE is always good!)
If you speak in tongues, pray in tongues for a few minutes (your heart/spirit connects with HIS). If you don’t speak in tongues ask him for this gift, it’s there ready for you.
Listen to worship or sing your own song (ask God to give you a new song)
Meditate on a verse of scripture, or look again at the end of the blog at the description of Jesus and reread a section.
Finally remember to give it ALL to Him, every aspect of your life. (Not easy but as I’m discovering so much better than doing it all in my own strength)
REMEMBER HE IS THE SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING! Wow!