Experience Jesus. Really. {Review}

In our present age, we're used to instant access to information.  Social media gives us a high of connectedness.  We are addicted to distraction and busyness.  Author John Eldredge would call us "disciples of the internet."  But all this comes at a cost.  Have we traded deep spiritual connection with the Creator for a cheapened version of fulfillment?  How can we access the ever present God when we live in a world of skeptical pragmatism?

Eldredge awakens his reader to the reality of God's nearness and how we can become more aware of Him.  He explores the idea of modern mystics, those who seek to live close connection with the Father, while still living in our 21st century world.  And he hopes to answer how can we return to this deep communion with God despite the distractions that are all around us.

I really enjoyed this one.  Eldredge breaks down what it looks like to be in such intimate relationship that we find complete fulfillment.  He highlights the need to return to the Lord again and again in order to keep us centered and living in true purpose.  Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

• You are a disciple of the systems that tutors you, where you turn on a daily basis for guidance on living.
• But now, when you turn to Jesus and you are not answered in the way the Internet answers, you feel he isn't listening or that you can't hear from him.  You sadly believe the two of you are distant from one another, because your soul has been programmed for immediate responses.  The notion of lingering before God doesn't fit with the pace we've come to expect.  That's one example, but the effects of Internet discipleship go far, far deeper.
• Friends- we need daily encounters with Jesus; that is what we are after.  Nothing else will address the human condition.
• When we understand mysticism as simply the daily experience of God and His Kingdom, we can say that mysticism is the normal Christian life.  Which is to say, it is human existence put back on track.  This is what Eve and Adam enjoyed, and it is central to God's restoration of humanity.
• Our being can actually take refuge within the begin of God.  We can experience being surrounded with the presence of God and His mighty kingdom in the same way you can jump into the ocean.

And that's just the tip of the very beginning of this book.  It is FULL of practical wisdom and encouragement, leading the reader into a deeper communion with our Lord.  I can't wait to read it again.

*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.