Breaking Open Life’s Timeline (and being less afraid)
Let me show you a picture–a timeline–of you and your life. Do you believe, with me, your life doesn’t end when you die? Do you know, in my kingdom, you never die? Do you know you can live brand new and live this starting now? Do you know?
What does your life show for this, if you do know this? How do you act on this confidence? How do you indicate you believe my words are true?
Let me show you your fear. Let me give you peace in its stead. New life awaits you. New birth is here. This world aches for it. Your heart aches for it. I know. Tell me everything now. I’m listening.
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To begin this Loop Encounter, get comfortable. You might want to do what you usually do:
Find your favorite chair or space in a room.
Sit if you typically sit.
Lie down if you usually lie down.
Choosing a familiar body position and posture can help call your mind and heart to attention. “When I do this, I am listening to God’s voice inside me.”
Settle, then breathe deeply for a few moments. Please do this for as long as it takes to feel relaxed. Inhale deeply and exhale deeply–in through the nose and out through the mouth. And as you breathe, pray this prayer:
Inhale: You love me. Exhale: And I love You.
When you pray this breath prayer, keep your eyes closed and consecrate your mind and imagination to Jesus. Expect that he can give you a picture of what, visually, those words mean.
Lord Jesus, I trust you. I love you. I consecrate my mind, ideas, emotions, and concerns to you, and I give you my heart and attention now. Fill me and guide me. Please help me to hear you, see you, and experience you.
Next, read contemplatively the two translations of John 3:16-18, written below. Take your time. Let your heart hear what Jesus is speaking to you.
John 3:16-18, NIV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:16-18, The Message
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Next, consider your responses to these questions:
If you believe you will have eternal life–that your life will never end, even after you die here on earth–how does that affect how you think about–and live–your life on earth now? What are you doing that you want to keep doing? What are you doing that God is inviting you to surrender to him and change?
Spend some time–at least 10 minutes–simply sitting or lying down in the quiet and conversing with God in your heart in response to Jesus’ words in John 3:16-18. You might want to ask him some questions and expect his response. Or, you might want to remain quiet and see what the open space does as you wait on him. Either way, try to stay open and curious. Expect him to guide you, show you, teach you what he is saying, specifically and unique to you.
Here are some topics and questions you might want to ask him. You might even want to write down the questions in a journal as you take them to Jesus. No matter what you do, ask Jesus to show you your true heart.
Jesus, show me my true heart.
Listen carefully.
What, Jesus, do you want to show me? What do you want me to know?
Fears: Jesus, what fears do I have relating to my earthly life? What fears do I have regarding eternal life? (Let yourself acknowledge and feel the fear. Also, let him take it and help you understand it.)
Finances: Jesus, what do you want me to know regarding my attitude toward finances? (Listen, don’t rush this.)
Time: Jesus, what is my perspective of time? And what is your perspective? (Close your eyes and ask him to show you a picture of these two perspectives, images that offer glimpses into his heart.)
Relationships: Show me what you want me to know here regarding relationships. What don’t I know? Guide me deeper into your heart.
Work: Jesus, you have made me to work and create alongside you. What are you inviting me to understand in this regard? How does my attitude about life with you in eternity affect my work while I am on earth?
These moments with Jesus are sacred and beautiful. Stay here with him, perhaps while listening to soft, instrumental music (if that helps you block distractions). Give space with a posture of openness, and see what happens.
Amen.
