“Jesus . . . know everyone has an Eden heart. It’s where we come from, our true home. It’s what every human being is trying to recover . . . with or without the King. . . . As we seek to convert our unconverted places and take hold of the strength that prevails, we need to bodyguard our faith and our Eden hearts back to Jesus.”- John Eldredge
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”- Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
John Eldredge concludes Chapter 7 of Resilient as he talks about people reaching the point where their hearts simply decide to settle for relief without the King. As a result, they opt to take their happiness now — and whatever to the King. The author refers to this as the Great Spiritual Resignation.
Consequently, John observes, a rising number of Christians either walk away from God or exchange their Christian faith for a more universalist view. So, the author asks, where do you chase life? If you recognize the ‘hors d’ oeuvres of Eden’ as gifts to sustain our heart, holding them with an open hand, such moments can support you and bring healing. Make sure that this tender part of your heart belongs to Jesus. As THE MESSAGE paraphrases Hebrews 6:18 —
“We who have run for our lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go.”
In conclusion, John exhorts you to give your Eden longing to Jesus every time they rise up within you. Furthermore, it’s best to do this in the moment. The moment when you (a) feel the intense desire or (b) feel tempted to give your heart to something else. And as you enter your primal longing for things to be good again, start loving God in that place.
Finally, John encourages:
“This is perhaps the most beautiful thing a human soul ever does. Over and over again, in a thousand little choices, we turn our faces back to God.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures bodyguard your faith and Eden heart back to Jesus? Please share.
Coming Monday: the January Short Meditation, “Show us the way of Jesus”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Gritting our teeth – doubling down?”
