"And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” -Matthew 18:20 The Message Bible
There’s something so beautiful about having a heart that’s cultivated a deep relationship. Think about the nearest and dearest person to your heart.
Are they a family member in your home?
A friend you keep in touch with?
Or someone you’ve fallen in love with?
If you’re lucky, the person you cherish the most lives close to you. An ache happens when you’re distanced from the person closest to your heart.
I have discovered my heart is most at home with Jesus. He has become my special, significant other. Not only is He my Savior, but He’s also my Best Friend, Shelter, Lord, and heavenly Bridegroom. His love is all-encompassing and touches every relational need of my soul. I can breathe deeply and rest completely in His Presence. (He wants you to experience Him this way.)
A few days ago, I visited a friend’s house with others who gathered to spend time with Jesus.
She made savory Italian soup with soft buttery bread. Over supper, we conversed. One of the questions that popped up was why Jesus commanded his followers to gather over food.
“Maybe it’s because it builds trust? It’s like we’re depending on each other to provide nutrition and satisfy our hunger… this might make us more open.” I suggested.
“I was thinking similarly.” A man chimed. As he spoke, his short red-brown beard moved.
We pondered the question for a few more minutes, tossing around our ideas. Finally, after dinner, we moved to the couches for worship. Excitement built in me to converse with Jesus.
We sat on mahogany-colored couches around a long coffee table with flickering candlelight. The gold, orange colors of the sunset spilled through her windows into the room. White, pink and yellow flowers stood in a clear vase. I fixed myself comfortably on the sofa and closed my eyes as my friend softly sang a love song. Her sweet voice fragranced the atmosphere and I allowed my heart to lean into Jesus.
During worship, I spoke to the Lord in my heart, “Jesus, how can I feed you? I want to fill you as you’ve filled me tonight.” I sensed his presence and saw a beautiful image of him amid the room. I was feeding him, tearing bread and putting it in his mouth.
He showed me that when I do the Father’s will in ministering to others (the Body of Christ), that I am feeding him. Because each person I allow him to bless using me is a part of his body.
Later that night, we lifted each other in prayer. As we did this, we began to feel the love of God for one another. One of my friends was having terrible pain in her neck. By the end of prayer, she was feeling much better. Tears were shed as we shared words, we felt Jesus was speaking to us about each other. Prophesy began to flow, and healing took place.
There’s something so beautiful about cultivating a deep relationship with the Body of Christ. This is one of the ways we can cherish Jesus. In his presence, we begin to see the great value he has for our heavenly family.
I’m not sure who the dearest person is to your heart, but I encourage you to invite Jesus to be present in your relationship. As you do, your relationship will become holy ground. You will experience a deeper level of safety, closeness, and beauty. After all, no one loves you both more than him.
I pray your relationships are drenched with his presence. May his abundant life wash over you.
xoxo
~Click below to watch my video, A Love Sonnet to Jesus. This poem was originally taken from my book, Visions of Celestial Love.