DEBRIEFING WITH JESUS
Following a military mission, it’s critical for the key players to debrief. They carve out time to sit down and discuss what went right, what went wrong, and what they’ll do differently next time. They lay it on the table, and when they’re done, they walk away, having grown from the experience.
As Linda and I journey through her bout with cancer, I feel the need to debrief. Our life is a series of ups and downs. At times, our emotions swing from trust to doubt, and from hopeful to despairing. Watching Linda suffer the misery of detoxing is heart-breaking at times.
As each day ends, I’ve developed a practice of “debriefing” with Jesus. As I soak in our Jacuzzi tub, I pour out my heart to my Divine Friend, and then listen for his voice.
A few nights ago, while lying in the tub, I cried out, “Lord, I’m growing weary. How am I going to get through this struggle?”
Calming my heart, I sensed Jesus whisper, “You’re not going through this alone. I am with you. The three of us—you, me, and Linda—are walking this road together arm-in-arm.”
I cannot tell you how much that meant to me. Those four simple words, “I…am…with…you,” can carry us through the most ravaging storms of life. Just knowing, when we hurt, Jesus hurts. He weeps with us, and feels every heartache.
So many folks become angry with God when they experience adversity—as if we’re entitled to a trouble-free life. But you can read God’s word from cover-to-cover and you’ll never find a single verse promising that God keeps us from painful problems. In fact, it’s quite the opposite (John 16:33). Instead, God promises something greater. He vows to be with us no matter what. Hebrews 13:5 declares, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
The final recorded words of Jesus, before he ascended into heaven are these. “I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Of all the departing words Jesus could utter, he chose those. “I…am…with…you.”
Lying in the tub, those four simple words settled my soul and lifted my spirit on eagle’s wings. I knew I could make it one more day. You don’t need a Jacuzzi tub to debrief with Jesus. Find a quiet spot, pour out your heart and listen for his voice.
Principle: We all need time to “debrief” with Jesus.
Ponder:
● What is the best time of day for you to debrief with Jesus?
● As you consider debriefing with Jesus, what do you think he would say to you?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Hebrews 13:5-6.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for understanding everything I experience. Thank you for the peace you bring to my soul. During times of trouble, speak comforting words to my heart.