Mark 5:21-34

Be Still: Lord, help me to experience the truth that your Word is alive and active today. Amen

Read: Mark 5:21-34

‘At once Jesus realised that power had gone out from him.’ (v 30) 

Encounter: A while back, I was sitting with my dad when suddenly his pocket started flashing like a disco ball. I asked what was going on, and he pulled out his phone in frustration. He complained that every time he got a notification, he would immediately know about it because his phone lit up his pocket - it turns out he had accidentally set an LED flash alert on.

Today, we read about a woman who reached out to touch Jesus’ cloak. ‘At once’, Jesus knew that power had left him. There was no delay, this was immediate, and we can experience the same. When we reach out to Jesus, he instantly knows about it. In fact, he knows before we even do or say anything - the psalmist writes ‘before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.' 

Living with chronic pain for nearly 10 years has been tough. I read about the healing of this woman and believe wholeheartedly that God can heal immediately, but I know healing can come later, or even when I reach heaven. ‘Will he do it?’, ‘When?’ and ‘Why?’ have been challenging questions, but it comforts me to know that each time I reach for Jesus, ‘at once’ he knows. Psalm 145 says, ‘the Lord is near to all who call on him.’ Experiencing the nearness of God brings a comfort like no other. I like to imagine that when I pray, just like my dad’s phone, strobe lights go off around God's throne, and I have the attention of my heavenly father.

I don’t know what you’re facing today but I pray that knowing that the Creator of heaven and earth is alert to you, is more than enough.

Apply: Pause to remind yourself that the Lord already knows your heart and mind. Be fully honest with him right now, without holding back fears, doubts, or hopes. 

Devote: Lord, thank you that, in this moment, I have your full attention. Please help me find comfort in how close you are to me.