You’re not at your best. None of us are.

Living through a pandemic—especially through lockdowns—is no walk in the park. Nor is continued political turmoil, fear of illness, or uncertainty about the future.

Today I offer a word of comfort.

In Luke 4:40 we read: “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”

People were lined up down the street and Jesus laid his hands “on each one.” I love that detail. Here’s why I think it’s significant.

Earlier in the story we saw how Jesus could heal people with a single command. So why wouldn’t he have done that same thing again? Why wouldn’t he have just healed the whole bunch at the same time?

I think he wanted to do something more.

Instead of just offering physical healing (as great as that was and is), he allowed them to get close enough to look at him directly in the eyes. By doing this, perhaps he was providing mental, emotional and spiritual healing too.

He allowed them to gaze upon the very face of divine love.

We may not be able to see Jesus physically; but we can still experience him closely.

Today, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just talk to him honestly. Put it all out there. Trust him with what you’re going through. And let him tend to you directly. Maybe not face to face, but certainly heart to heart.

Just be in his presence knowing that his presence is enough. You don’t have it all together. But that’s okay. He does.

We may not be able to see Jesus physically; but we can still experience him closely.

—-

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

—Calming your mind. In the wake of COVID-19 a lot of people are feeling anxious or stressed. Here’s a post I wrote in March 2020—maybe a few of you might benefit from these 20 simple-but-doable tips. Click here to read.