Jesus Gets You, Friend
When little ones are learning the art of communication, their thoughts often come faster than their limited vocabulary can articulate. Try as they might, they just can’t express their ideas and feelings like they want to. Result? Often, it’s the classic toddler meltdown.
Version 2.0 eventually follows when adolescence kicks in. New emotions, new situations, and all those hormones – it’s a lot to process for a metamorphosing child-turning-adult. Anyone who’s ever had a teenager in the house has bumped into Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde as your kiddo tries to figure himself out while desperately desiring to be understood.
Ahhh, finally – adulthood! Problem solved.
Well, not exactly. At our core, we all long to be seen, known, understood, and loved. That’s not something we outgrow. We strive in our relationships to convey our deepest longings, highest aspirations, and truest needs. We attempt to articulate them to the people closest to us, hoping it all makes sense to them and that they accept and empathize with us. Sometimes, our message is received clearly and responded to in a way that brings us relief and peace. Or what may happen is that the receiving party – for any of a number of reasons – doesn’t comprehend or even care about what we’re trying to communicate. Ouch! Sharing our hearts is vulnerable territory.
What a gift for the one who trusts Jesus with that precious heart of his or hers! Jesus knows us! He knows our situation. He understands. He sees our effort. He speaks life-giving truth to encourage us. He doesn’t run away or turn His back on us when things get hard. Instead, He draws near, reminds us of our future with Him, and gives us the strength to persevere till the end.
How can we be so sure? In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus gives a message to the church in Philadelphia. He tells them that He “knows (their) deeds…that (they) have little strength, yet (they) have kept (His) word and have not denied (His) name.” He assures them of His protection and encourages them to “hold on to what (they) have.” He promises to write on them His new name, claiming them as His own for all eternity.
Like the toddler, the teenager and the one staring back at us in the mirror, we all just long to be seen, known, understood, and loved. Jesus – the One Who created you, knows you best, and loves you most – is willing and able to be that faithful, compassionate Friend. In Him, you’ve found your safe place. Rest easy. He gets you.
