In part 2 of our series, we’re going to look into what we saw the disciples do after Jesus ascended. They chose to look up. They needed to see Jesus. We need to see Jesus. In the midst of turmoil, our only answer is Jesus. We cannot make it on our own. The encounter the disciples had, had to become a part of them. They had to take it, and take action. If you’ve been in the church world, you’ve probably heard many messages about the upper room. They were there for one thing. To seek Jesus. When they needed an answer and a solution, they went into the upper room to pray. And we all know what happened after, the presence of God came in the a flood.
This is what happens every time we come into the presence of God. We are filled with peace, we are empowered by his spirit, we are filled afresh, we are quipped, we are unified as one body, and we get sent out.
In hard times, the struggle can be to focus inward instead of focusing outward. Uncertain times can cause us to shut down, stay silent, and isolate. But when we lean into Jesus, we will experience life abundantly. We will live from a place of peace, not anxiety. We will see through His perspective, which is a perspective of hope. How could we ever remain hopeless in the presence of God? His presence changes everything.
In Psalm 16:11, we can claim this promise that we will experience fullness of Joy when we come into the presence of God.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
2 Practical ways we can look up and lean into these times:
- Pray
How is your prayer life? Do you find yourself listening more to the news, than God’s voice? We must be aware of what’s happening in the world, but the voice of God must become louder than the noise of the world. When we pray, it gets our eyes off of our problems and fixed on Jesus.
- Wait on God
Sometimes answers don’t come immediately. In times of trials, we must lean into the waiting and know that even in our waiting, Jesus is working. He is still on the throne. He’s not forgotten you. He knows how to get you where you need to be, and when the best time is. You can trust him.
Do you have space where you can get away and pray amid hard times? I want to encourage you to lean in and look up today. Rest in his peace, and trust His perfect timing.
Click here to read part 1!
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