Maneuvers - No. 47
You Can Turn
to Me
Where do you turn, friend, during the tough moments?
During stress or boredom, we might reach for anything to soothe us or distract us from the pain we’re feeling.
We might be facing a hard decision, a frustrating task, or an exhausting day. That’s when it’s easy to turn to things that bring us immediate comfort. Things like food, TV, sleep, daydreams, alcohol, or shopping.
And of course, in and of themselves, those things aren’t wrong. God generously gives us all things to enjoy (see 1 Timothy 6:17).
But what happens when we keep turning to temporary pleasures to comfort us in our everyday struggles?
Sadly, it trains us to rely on things that can’t ultimately satisfy us. And it can turn our attention away from the only one who can–Jesus.
But what if we could find that immediate relief we’re looking for without relying on the world’s distractions? Could we find that comfort we’re craving in Jesus? Could we go from dreading the day to actually enjoying it… with him?
The psalmist thought so. He sang, “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant” (Psalm 119:76, NIV).
Today, Holy Spirit is inviting us to turn to him, to remember him. He wants to show us how his love is better and more satisfying and more life-giving than anything this world has to offer. Let’s listen together…
01.
The Message
“You forget I am with you, that I never leave you. You forget how my constant presence is for you, equipping you to do all things I have for you this moment, this day, and all days. You can get through days like this without me, without remembering me, but not very well, not in the way you could.
“Let me help you remember me. Let me help you not just get through this day, but enjoy it–not because this day will or will not be easy. Not because there won’t be challenges to face, but because I am better than any problem. You can enjoy me.
“My presence with you gives you strength. I give you strength. It gives you wisdom. I give you wisdom. It gives you hope. I give you hope. It gives you joy. I give you joy. This is because my love is for you. My life is for you. All of me. I give you all of myself. You are never, ever alone.
“So turn, will you, to me? Turn your heart to the one who loves you? Turn your attention to every task, every idea, every problem with me at your side? I am in all things. And in the long days that bring struggle, the ones that feel stretched out, unending, full of challenge and upheaval and pain, I can remind you that, truly, you will be more than okay.
“My love brings you peace that sustains you. Watch what happens when you remember me. I am always the same. But you won’t be. You will be who you are made to be: a person of peace and of love, a warrior of hope and of joy. My love in you goes forth in you. Breathe deep and turn now. I love you. Turn to me.”
02.
Listen
After reading this week’s message, friend, what do you feel? How do you want to respond to God? Let’s give ourselves a moment to do just that.
03.
Think
“I lie awake each night thinking of you and reflecting on how you help me like a father. I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow, offering up to you my songs of delight and joy!” (Psalm 63:6-7, TPT).
1. When is it easiest for you to remember God? When is it the hardest?
2. What things do you tend to turn to instead of Jesus when you’re troubled, anxious, or weary?
3. When you do remember to turn to him in those hard moments, how do you feel? How does Jesus’ presence change your perspective of your day and the situation you’re facing?
04.
Trust
Strength. Wisdom. Hope. Joy.
Those are what Holy Spirit promised us in today’s message … if we remember to turn to him. No matter what’s going on around us, when our hearts are full of Jesus, there’s nothing we can’t do. There’s nothing we lack.
Let’s take a moment to meditate on this incredible promise:
“So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future–all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23, ESV, emphasis added).
Isn’t that amazing? Everything is ours in Christ. Everything he has, everything he is, is available to us. How? Through Holy Spirit, who lives with us and in us. His presence gives us all we need.
We don’t have to do anything but receive from him. And yet… it’s hard to remember him sometimes, isn’t it?
It’s okay if turning to Jesus doesn’t feel natural at times. It doesn’t make us less spiritual if we have to be intentional about it at first.
So today, let’s take some time to intentionally remember Jesus. If you can, take a walk outside. With each step, focus on how Jesus is with you. Imagine him walking right next to you.
Now, let’s ask him to lead us and speak to us. Let’s try to discern his voice as we look at our surroundings. What is he bringing to your attention? Is he leading you to pray? Which neighbors is he highlighting to you?
In this intimate moment with Jesus, let’s expect him to speak or to show us something new about his love for us.
And now, let’s close with prayer…
05.
Pray
Father, thank you for always being with me. And thank you for giving me more than I could ever need through Jesus.
Help me remember you throughout the day–when life is easy or hard or boring or terrifying. Show me how to turn to you in all those moments.
I want to receive all you have to give me. Your strength, your wisdom, your joy, your peace… you’re all I need. You’re all I want.
I love you, Lord. I love you so much.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
