“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NAS95)
I used to take personal retreats with God having my agenda in hand. I had to get things done. This retreat needs to be useful, accelerate the ministry, make me holy! Or so I thought.
God breathed freshness into my life by directing me to the idea of His leadership on a personal retreat. How novel! God leading? Yes! My deepest desire seeks to grow in a recognizable interactive relationship with God. In other words, I want to easily discern God’s presence and voice in my life.
I just returned from a recent two-day personal retreat in the mountains. I had no idea what God had planned, and I had no plans other than to be. Slow down and rest in His presence in whatever way He desired to show up.
God surprised me. It started with a comment Jesus made to Peter: “You’re setting your mind on man’s interests…” What about me? Do I know what interests God? Then in a gentle whisper the Spirit reminded me of Jeremiah 9:23-24. While the whole passage has meaning, these words stood out: “boast of this…understands and knows Me…for I delight in these things…” He showed me His heart, the things in which He delights. Along with that, the desire arose to read Jeremiah, prayerfully, with this in mind.
As I read, prayed, listened to the text (figuratively), God used my imagination to deepen my understanding of His heart, and even what He meant when Jeremiah spoke these words to the original audience. But what He did in me has no words! I saw love, His, reaching out for the benefit of those He loves, asking them, pleading them, to enter and trust His love. I felt it. I felt it for me.
Even in the presence of impending judgment, God pleaded for a return to Him and His love. Judah’s devotion to other things, whether they be idols, affections, attachments, whatever captivated their heart other than God, had a real destructive influence and kept them from God’s love. He wanted them to experience life and love as He designed and intended. He wants me to experience life as He intended — delighting in what He delights.
More than that, on those days, I realized at the level of my affection, delighting in God enhances life! Agendaless, I rest because God is present and with me. Nothing better exists!
For Reflection
“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” (1 Samuel 15:22 NAS95)
- In what ways do you nurture your awareness of God? What things typically get in the way of experiencing His presence and love?
- How might God be speaking to you about your own agendaless personal retreat where you rest in His leadership and agenda?
