JESUS CALLING: Enjoying Peace in His Presence: Devotions for Every Day of the Year (Thomas Nelson, 2004)

I looked up some reviews before I purchased the book.  The first one I read said, “This is a dangerous book.” That could have stopped me. Instead, it made me curious, so I read further.  Soon I realized that the “danger” is a matter of personal interpretation according to one’s understanding of spiritual matters. Some do not believe God speaks today. This book is not for them. The author, Sarah Young, is sharing the thoughts she received during her quiet “alone” times with God.  The words are recorded in a first-person style, like God is talking to you. I read these devotional-style entries and find myself blessed by their tone and content. Each writing speaks with the peacefulness that encourages and strengthens one’s faith. Jesus Calling has scripture verses sprinkled throughout and at the end of each devotional style text.

“May 1 – You are on the path of my choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present. . . .Every moment is alive with my glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. . . .  Luke 12:25-26, Luke 1:79”

Religious people tend to put God in a box. But His ways are mysterious. The ones who seek Him will find Him. Sarah Young has sought God and found Him. She shares her writings that others may be encouraged in their spiritual walk. I believe God propels certain books forward–this is one of them. Jesus Calling draws a person into a more intimate walk with God.  A biblical phrase comes to mind, “My sheep hear my voice.” To hear God’s voice requires that one attend to the One who is asking us to pay attention. During the author’s difficulties, she leaned on God and in the process, she learned to listen.