My friends, I hope you've had a week full of God's presence and revelations. I am feeling pulled of late to spend more time in God's Word and in His presence. A friend mentioned the same feeling this week too, which I find so very interesting.

Yet I also find "life" so full of distractions and interruptions that seem strategically targeted to keep me from doing this. Ack! Must read my Bible and read what I'm supposed to for that day. Must spend x amount in prayer and make sure I have everyone covered in prayer, but there are so many needs to pray for so how can I cover all of them when I could easily spend the entire day praying and there are things to be done! And...and...and...

Can you relate?

I can get so caught up in the shoulds of my faith walk that I forget what Jesus' wants most is our presence. When I think of His time here on earth with the disciples I can see more clearly that He was more interested in who these men were than what they did for Jesus.

A book I'm reading right now has inspired me with this verse:

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You." — John 21:20

The author emphasizes the intimacy of John's friendship with Jesus, that he could lean on Jesus, perhaps even resting his head on the chest of his dear friend.

This is the closeness that Jesus inspired then, and I believe the closeness He desires with us even now. It is tender and sweet, because we are His friends. We are His.

I don't know about you, but sometimes, maybe even more times, I struggle to believe I can hold that place in my Saviors heart. Yet I want nothing in this life more than that, to be the one who leans on my Savior, on my Jesus, and can feel His very presence in my spirit and soul.

And what I love most about Him is that regardless of my struggle to believe, His love is constant and unaffected by my moments of doubt and feelings of unworthiness. He reminds me that even though I don't feel as if I walk in His favor, I do. He reminds me that His love is relentless and unceasing with the image of the Cross. He reminds me that He is my best friend.

What about you, my friends? Do you struggle in this place at times like I do? Then let me be the voice of truth for you today. Let me reassure you that Jesus hasn't stopped loving you, nor could He. Let me be the one to remind you that all He has promised and spoken for you is still there. Step forward in belief, obedience, or whatever it is He is asking you and trust Him. Then get ready to be blown away as His blessings pour out. 

Love you are so very much, and I am praying for His strength to fill you with such courage and belief that you are transformed at this very moment!
Dineen