In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from our spiritual selves and from God. As John Eldredge reminds us, “we’ve become disciples of the internet”, conditioned to expect instant gratification and immediate answers.
This constant connectivity has inadvertently trained our souls for impatience, making it challenging to cultivate a deep, meaningful relationship with the Divine.
But what if there was a way to reclaim that connection? To experience Jesus in a profound, transformative way that brings healing, peace, and purpose to our lives? This is the journey of becoming an “ordinary mystic” – a term that might sound intimidating but is actually an invitation to a more intimate walk with God.
The concept of being an ordinary mystic isn’t about achieving some lofty spiritual status. It’s about opening our hearts and souls to the unseen realm, believing that God is not far away but intimately close. As Scripture reminds us, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). This truth suggests that God is not difficult to access; His presence and the beauty of His kingdom are available to us all.
Consider the words of King David in Psalm 63. He speaks of seeing God in the sanctuary, beholding His beauty, and experiencing a love better than life itself. For many of us, these words might seem like distant poetry rather than lived experience. But what if David’s intimate encounters with God weren’t the exception, but an example of what’s possible for all believers?
The Bible is not a book of exceptions; it’s a book of examples. From Adam and Eve walking with God in the cool of the garden to Jesus praying for our oneness with Him in John 17, Scripture paints a picture of intimate communion with the Divine as our birthright and destiny.
So how do we reclaim this intimacy in a world that seems designed to distract us? The answer lies in intentional practices that create space for encountering God. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Create Sacred Space: Begin and end your day without technology. Leave your phone outside your bedroom at night. Create a buffer zone where you can focus on God without the world’s constant demands.
2. Practice Loving Jesus: Start your day with a simple exercise. Spend just three minutes expressing your love for Jesus. It’s not about Bible study or consuming content; it’s about opening your heart to His presence.
3. Give Everything to God: Before bed, practice releasing your cares, worries, and responsibilities to God. This act of surrender prepares your heart for rest and communion.
4. Embrace Union and Communion: Recognize that Christ dwells within you. Your prayer life can shift from trying to reach a distant deity to communing with the One who is closer than your breath.
5. Heal Through Union: Remember, the soul is healed through union with Christ. In a world grappling with mental health crises, this spiritual truth offers hope and a path to wholeness.
The saints and mystics throughout history understood these truths. Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century Carmelite friar, spoke of practicing the presence of God even while washing dishes in the monastery kitchen. He described keeping himself “retired in the depths of my soul where Christ lives,” finding that this communion made even the most mundane tasks sacred.
St. John of the Cross, writing from the depths of imprisonment and suffering, penned beautiful poetry about God’s tender movements in the depths of his being. His resilience in the face of trauma testifies to the power of intimate communion with God.
These examples remind us that experiencing Jesus isn’t reserved for spiritual giants or perfect saints. It’s for ordinary people living ordinary lives who choose to open their hearts to an extraordinary God.
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This image of sharing a meal speaks to the lingering, intimate fellowship God desires with each of us. It’s not a quick drive-through encounter but a leisurely feast of the soul.
As we cultivate this intimacy, we may find that our perspective on life’s challenges shifts. The world remains chaotic, but we have an anchor for our souls. We discover a refuge in the storms of life, a strength that sustains us through trials, and a wonder that rekindles our joy.
Practical steps toward this intimacy might include:
– Using guided meditations or apps designed to help you pause and connect with God throughout the day.
– Practicing contemplative prayer, where you sit in silence, focusing on God’s presence.
– Engaging in worship music as a way to express love and open your heart to God’s presence.
– Journaling your spiritual experiences, questions, and insights to deepen your awareness of God’s work in your life.
Remember, becoming an ordinary mystic is a journey, not a destination. It’s about daily choosing to turn your attention to the God who is always present, always loving, always inviting us into deeper communion.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, where mental health challenges are on the rise and the pace of life seems unsustainable, this invitation to experience Jesus offers a lifeline. It’s not just about finding momentary peace; it’s about tapping into the source of all peace, love, and wisdom.
As you embark on this journey of experiencing Jesus more deeply, be patient with yourself. Like learning any new skill, it takes time and practice. But the rewards – a deeper sense of God’s love, guidance in decision-making, healing for past wounds, and strength for present challenges – are immeasurable.
May you find the courage to step away from the noise, to create space in your life for sacred encounters, and to open your heart to the One who longs to commune with you. In doing so, you may discover that the ordinary moments of your life become infused with the extraordinary presence of God, transforming you into the ordinary mystic you were always meant to be.
Also, watch or listen to our podcast with John Eldredge, where we discuss everything you’ve read here and so much more
