Do You Know Jesus?

I remember what it was like before I knew Jesus. I mean really knew Jesus. The Greek word for know in John 17:3 is ginosko, which means to know through personal experience. Before I knew Jesus personally I experienced a lack of peace. Anxiety and fear were a way of life for me and it became mentally exhausting.

But then I visited someone who was facing a lot of challenges. She was serving others with so much joy and contentment in the midst of her painful circumstances. I didn't know it then but she was doing what Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Her example had a big impact on me and when I realized that her joy, peace and contentment came from having a personal relationship with Jesus I wanted that too.

When I surrendered my life to Jesus I experienced real peace for the first time. I did not have to try to attain it through my circumstances anymore. It is the peace from Romans 5:1,”Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” To experience true peace, our relationship with God needs to be restored and this can only be accomplished through Jesus. After that, having a personal relationship with Jesus is God’s highest priority for us.

As I have grown closer to Jesus I have come to learn that letting our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works does not require effort in our own strength. We pursue a relationship with Jesus and God gives us the desire and power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13). John 15:5 tells us that apart from Jesus we can do nothing. If we abide in him we will produce much fruit and reflect the light of Jesus before others.

A relationship with Jesus is the ultimate treasure because it is the only relationship that will fully satisfy our every desire (John 4:13-14). Our relationship with him will grow deeper and deeper as we continue to seek him with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Father God may I never take for granted the relationship that you made possible for me to experience with you through Jesus. May I strive to know you more intimately and say with David in Psalm 4:7, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

Throughout this day - Make a commitment each day to spend intimate time with God. Open your Bible and hear directly from the Holy Spirit by asking him to teach and guide you.

Delight in your relationship with Jesus:
Pat Barrett - Build My Life (feat. Chris Tomlin) (Live)

Further Study: Listen Up: How to Hear God Speak
https://thelife.com/series/listen-up