As we join together in this 21 day fast, and as we purposeful pursue enjoying Jesus more fully, it is important for us to be reminded of why we do so. For many, enjoying Jesus is a foreign concept. They understand Jesus to be faraway and totally unapproachable. For others, the idea of enjoying Jesus is offensive. They have seen Jesus as a Lord who commands us to,

“Obey or else”, and as such we should revere His power and authority and never speak of Him in such intimate ways. But there is strong biblical support for us to not only speak of enjoying Jesus, but to also expect that we will actually experience it.

John 17:3 – "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Jesus Himself, in the midst of some of His final words to His disciples clearly defines for them what salvation and eternal life is all about. He says, it is to know God and to know Him. It’s important for us to note that salvation is not to simply know about God, but to actually know Him. The shocking truth is that the infinite Creator of the universe invites us to relational

intimacy with Him.

Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Throughout the Bible there are verse that suggest that knowing Jesus is meant to be a pleasurable experience, and Psalm 16:11 is one such verse. Being in the presence of Jesus sparks a fullness of joy and pleasure. Knowing and walking with Jesus is not a dreadful chore, nor a fearful confrontation. Being with Jesus is always a great delight.

Fully enjoying Jesus is about believing that intimate relationship with Jesus is possible and that being near Him is not scary but brings great joy as we rest and walk in the knowledge that He loves us and is with us no matter what we do.

Heavenly Father, over the next 21 days, as I pursue greater intimacy with You, will You help me to know You more personally. Help me to understand You more intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Help me to know more fully the joy of being in Your presence. Help me to rest in Your gentle arms and walk with greater confidence that You are always with me. Amen