Looking for Jesus

I am headed into one of those weeks that just looks and feels TOO busy. I’m sure I’ve managed weeks like this before, but last night, and this morning, as I look ahead, I feel overwhelmed. The cloudy sky out my window reflects my mood. The wind seems to imitate my anxiety; coming and going, blowing harder then easing off. A part of my brain strongly states ” just get with it! What is with the mental whining? Choose a task and begin already!” Another part of that same brain whispers “pour another cup of coffee, relax, breathe deep, draw in strength to sustain you.”
I do need to make my list (so out of character for me!) and I do need to just pick a task and begin. I also need more coffee, and to breathe deep. And I need to draw in strength –
This morning I read in Matthew 28, the story of the women returning to Jesus’ tomb after His resurrection. The words of the Angel of the LORD resonated with me, and the Holy Spirit revealed truth.

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen,  as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you (Matthew 28:5-7)

The Holy Spirit nugded my spirit and said, “these words are for you today.” At first I wondered how?! I know Christ is risen, I believe He is at the right hand of the Father, I confess I need His saving Grace, and I rejoice that His death on the cross redeems and justifies me. The Holy Spirit nudged again, I read God’s Word again and I saw myself in the passage.
I too often have a preconceived idea of how things should be, just like the women who went to the tomb. When things get a little (or a lot) out of whack I flounder. I like it when life fits into a neat “time package” that allows breathing room. God is challenging my ‘breathing room.’
As I read verses 5-7 this is what God said to me:

* Don’t be afraid of how God choses to speak. I may not see a brilliant Angel, but I am often hindered by my fear of how God reveals Himself to me.
* Glory and Holy may be way beyond my normal vision, but I am not to be frightened by it. I need to have an awe type of fear, and I need to marvel at the wonder, plus be grateful for the gift!
* Jesus isn’t going to remain in one spot.  He is always moving forward in His purpose, just like He has always said.
* Sometimes I need reassurance of things and that is okay! I can examine where I’ve experienced Jesus, I can breathe in His scent, remember the One I love and all He has done.
* I cannot stay in the place(s) where Christ has been. I do not need to continually soak up the past, I need to go→ move forward to where God is now!
* I need to experience and live out the excitement that Jesus is Alive! Christ is moving, breathing, changing, supporting, energizing my life right now!
* Jesus goes before me. Jesus has already checked out my week, made a plan, knows the pitfalls and the joys. I need to listen for His wisdom and leading.
* If I want to see God, be in His presence, experience Him completely, I need to go where He chooses, where He is.  God works and moves in His way, not mine.
*  The angel’s final words: listen to what’s been revealed to you. Wake up! Take Notice! Pay attention!

I am not experiencing the distraught the women at the tomb were feeling AND I also needed to hear that Jesus is Alive! He has not left me alone, there is much to rejoice over!