The Heart of the Matter

Have you been searching for Jesus but can’t find him? You walked along the seashore of Galilee, but he wasn’t there. You ran to the marketplace and to the temple, but Jesus wasn’t there either. So, you took a journey, to the desert place where he went to pray often, but all you found was dust, cacti and creepy things, it was hot and dry and empty.

Where are you Jesus? You run to the garden, he’s not there. Becoming desperate now, you run to the tavern and even to the manger where he was born. Jesus is nowhere to be found. So, you take a boat out to sea and search for him on the waters, but you find only loneliness and dark skies. Not even a breeze or a whisper of where he might be.

You asked if anyone has seen Jesus but they were too busy to answer you. Life has become so hectic and without meaning that everyone acts as though they are being lulled to sleep by the worries and woes of this world. They say, “Jesus is only for Sundays.”

Becoming distraught, almost ready to give up your search…you walk to a nearby stream. You don’t notice the peacefulness of your surroundings or the gentle breeze causing ripples on the water. You can’t enjoy the vibrant lilies or the sparrows singing. You sit down on an old-fallen-tree-stump, and you begin to cry.

“Jesus, you said if I’d seek you with all my heart, I’d find you. Lord, I’ve looked everywhere I can think of, but you are not there. Where are you? I need you. Please, how can I find you? You said you’d never leave me nor forsake me, but Jesus I don’t know what else to do.”

Suddenly you hear his soft, kind, loving voice… “Daughter, you looked in all the obvious places I saw you when you passed the street-person, but you were too caught up in your own desires to notice he too needed to find me. I saw you when you were struggling with your doubts and fears. I watched you as you tossed and turned in your sleep conflicted and anxious. I’m not in the tomb. I’m not in the garden. Child, I’ve always been right here. The one place you didn’t look was the place where I dwell…always…right inside your heart. You see, you can’t find me in the physical places. Of course, I’m everywhere but my dwelling place is in your heart. If your heart becomes cluttered with the cares of life and your motives are for personal gain it blocks your vision and hearing and causes you to not recognize where I am and that I am, with you. I am with you wherever you are and wherever you go. I’m right here. Be still. Quiet your mind step into my presence that’s where I am. It’s in my presence you will find everything you need. When I left the earth what did I give? I gave Peace, my peace that is the gift of my presence through Holy Spirit. He will lead you into all truth and guide you every step of the way to where I am. I love you. Don’t stop seeking me but seek me where I am found.”

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 13, 2023

Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version – You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.