Of Words, God, and Connection

There is a frustration that comes to you when the words of a conversation are not real. You can feel it when a discussion carries weight of intention instead of truth. Your heart is open, the other guarded. You seek connection and the other desires control. In conversations like this something in me longs for more. We were made for honesty, for simple, unfiltered communion.

Jesus draws this contrast so clearly in Gospel of Luke 18. Two men stand before God. One spoke with a polished confidence, recounting his own self-righteousness. The other barely lifted his eyes, offering nothing but truth: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” There was no performance. There was no positioning. Just a simple honesty. And it was this man, Jesus says, who went home justified.

The heart of God has never been drawn to eloquence or persona. He is not impressed by carefully constructed prayers or spiritual posturing that affirms one’s own righteousness. God is moved by truth. By the quiet courage it takes to come as we are without defense, without agenda, without pretense.

Scripture reminds us that God delights in giving good gifts, as seen in Matthew 7. And He does. He provides, He answers, He blesses. But beyond the gifts is His desire for us. Not what we bring, not what we ask, but simply us.

Like a loving Father who treasures the sound of his child’s voice more than the requests they make, God longs for connection. For moments when we are not asking, not striving, not proving but just being with Him. Speaking freely. Listening quietly. Sharing what is actually in our hearts.

How often do we rush past that? How often do we approach Him with words shaped more by habit than by truth?

Today, there is an invitation waiting. Step away from the noise, even if only for a few moments. Come without a script and an agenda. Just let it be you and your Heavenly Father.

Tell Him you love Him.
Tell Him where you’re weary.
Tell Him what you’ve been holding back.

He is not looking for perfection.
He is looking for you.

With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse