The Psalms are a treasure chest of interactions with Jesus.
Jesus wants to hear what we are feeling and thinking about. For many and as a relational “infant” that is as far as my communication with Jesus goes. A lot of time (years) can be spent at this level as I tell Him what I am feeling and thinking.
However, He wants to interact with us and for me to listen to what He has to say about the matters at hand. “Jesus is My beloved Son, listen to Him.” Mark 9:7 “Come my children, listen to Me.” Ps. 34:11 As a relational “child” I am generally curious enough to hear what God says about my issues and I may believe that what He says is the truth. I will spend a lot of time telling others about His truths.
But, Interacting involves action. If as a relationally mature “adult” I trust what Jesus is saying about the matters at hand, I will follow his advice and do what he is telling me I should be doing. I am expecting Him to bless me because I am following His advice in the matter.
Interaction continues with check-ins and check-ups with Jesus to see how I am doing in my following. As a relationally mature “parent” I will daily ask Jesus; “How am I doing?” …. and He answers me with “you are doing a great job ….. how about doing a little more or less of this or that….. (kindness ….. encouragement ….. hands off ….. hands on ….. ) “ok, good, thanks, I will do that!”
As a relationally mature “elder” I encourage all those in my community to step up to the next level of interacting with Jesus. I personally show them by how I publicly live it out on a daily basis.
For me, I lived for years in child mode of interaction where I could tell you all about what Jesus taught but not following it all for myself…… mostly because I didn’t trust Him to provide for me what I thought I wanted. I only had one shot at life and there are certain things I want… like a certain type of spouse and place to live …. It has only been in recent years that I moved into adult mode and have began totally following what He is telling me to do. I now find myself enjoying my daily check-ins and check-ups. You are reading this meditation because of my elder encouragement for you to step up to the next level of your maturity!
By the way ….. I will find myself interacting with my children, my spouse, and those around me, the same way I interact with Jesus ….