Just Jesus

We all go through seasons.  Sometimes we are bent on discovering things, our minds racing and excited about new discoveries and the possibilities that arise out of them.  Sometimes we are searching after rest, and feel in our bones that simple need for a break--whatever that may look like.  And then there are times when we are in a place where we sense a preparation for something that is coming next--it might not be described as an 'adventure' but nevertheless, we feel that anticiapation for what's coming.

There is another place we can find ourselves and it is a little more difficult to describe but it is real nonetheless.  This one is not for those who have not experienced very many moons yet, and those that don't have much 'frosting' around the ears are not as privy to this either.

The best I can say is that after one has wrestled with important life issues, problems, challenges; joys, victories and accomplishment, there is a sense of questioning that can arise.  It is not necessarily debilitating (though it can be), but maybe is more like another 'right of passage' to the next, inevitable stage of life.

I suppose that's where I am or else I wouldn't be writing about this.

I have found myself engaging in stimulating disccusions about theological understandings, movements, historical events and their effects on the movement of human thought, I have some degrees hanging on my wall that show how serious I was in pursuing these topics.  As I have journeyed I have been exposed to opposing views on important issues related to God; who He is, what He is about, what is the reason for the way things are around us given that this great God is supposed to be who we think He is.

There have been premodern opinions, modern thoughts, and postmodern perspectives that all shape the flow of engagement, and I have found myself in and around these 'windows' of understanding and perception, and as I write this I am circumspect.

Though I greatly value my journey, and believe that we all must find ourselves with an opinion or a perspective, there is one overriding thought that consumes me right now and that is this:  what is the most important thing?  What is that which makes things make sense and gives purpose?

And I have to say that my only answer is this:  just Jesus.

Through it all He has been the constant.  With everyone's opinions about the Bible and history and the church and on and on, Jesus stands as the anchor through which all things hold together.  Using a Christmas theme, 'Jesus is the reason for the season'.  He is the reason that I have these thoughts at this time in my life--and it is good.

I believe that Jesus is more than sufficient to bring the healing, motivation and direction for all things important in life.  He has proven to me that no matter what deep thoughts or wrestlings humanity may engage, Jesus is more than enough to not only engage in it, but has the ability and desire to lead us through.  I believe that Jesus wants to bring our cultures, our creativity and our best reasoning to life and He is patient enough to make it happen. 

Again, I just have to look at myself and realize how many years He has been walking with me to get me to the point where I am able to say that what I really want is just Him.

This blog entry is one that is pretty much about'me so whoever is reading this one, I hope you understand that I don't want it to be about me, but about the One who made me.  He is looking for you, in every nook and cranny of your existence and He wants to bring it all to life in you.  No matter if you are twenty or a hundred and twenty, He is walking with you and offering you life.

So, today, remember this:  it's OK to just want Jesus.  In fact, He will show you the wonder of what real life is about, and all the things that seem to preoccuppy us will find a place.  All your questions won't immediately be addressed, but the one thing that does seem to come is peace.

May the peace that passes all understanding be yours today--the name of that peace is Jesus.

Just Jesus.

BT