A really amazing thing about the Bible is that you can find yourself in there. The Old Testament stories provide examples we can follow or avoid. The Psalms are heart expressions that often relate what we are feeling or experiencing. Proverbs give advice that might be just what we need in a particular decision or situation.
And when we read of Jesus’ interactions with people during His short time here on earth as the physical incarnation of God, we see His heart and ways on display, teaching us what God is really like. There are many examples in the Gospels of Him teaching, healing, delivering from spiritual darkness, encouraging, and overall just genuinely caring for people. People just like us, with issues very similar to ours.
One thing we notice, however, is that He did not force Himself on anyone. Jesus helped those who came to Him or were brought to Him. Notice what He says in John 6:37. “The one who comes to me I will never drive away (or cast out)”. He accepts and helps us when we come, and does not add a list of pre-qualifications or requirements. So, wherever we are today, doing well or not too great, whatever we are wrestling with, whether we are coming to Him for help the first time or after many times, or coming back to Him after whatever, Jesus has three words for us: “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28a). He won’t turn us away.
(Special thanks to my husband for writing today’s “Wednesday Whisper.”)
