Ep 139: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God with John Eldredge
Mar 5, 2025
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Join John Eldredge, acclaimed author of 'Wild at Heart', as he explores the transformative power of an experiential relationship with God. The conversation delves into Christian mysticism and how to navigate modern distractions that hinder spiritual intimacy. Eldredge emphasizes the importance of creating sacred spaces and morning routines to foster connection. He also addresses the healing potential of spirituality in pain, advocating for a personal approach to nurturing the soul within a community context.
Cultivating an experiential relationship with God involves overcoming modern distractions to foster a deeper spiritual intimacy with Jesus.
Christian mysticism is reframed as an accessible way to engage personally with God, enhancing the vibrancy of one’s faith journey.
Deep dives
Experiencing Jesus in Modern Life
The conversation emphasizes the need to cultivate an experiential relationship with God, particularly in today's fast-paced world. Many people find it challenging to connect with Jesus genuinely, as modern distractions often overshadow spiritual practices. The discussion highlights that God's presence has become elusive for individuals, who are often stuck in routines that prioritize immediate gratification over spiritual intimacy. John Eldridge's new book, 'Experience Jesus Really,' encourages readers to rediscover the vibrant relationship with God that is foundational to spiritual well-being.
The Role of Christian Mysticism
Christian mysticism is presented as an essential aspect of returning to the roots of spirituality, where an intimate and personal interaction with God flourishes. Eldridge aims to demystify the term 'mysticism,' suggesting that it simply refers to an experiential engagement with Jesus rather than something esoteric or forbidden. The conversation elaborates on how many fear or misunderstand mysticism, associating it with negative connotations instead of recognizing its potential for deepening one’s faith. The goal is to embrace a holistic approach, merging both spiritual and physical health, creating a richer experience of God.
Discipleship and the Impact of Modern Distractions
The podcast discusses the pervasive influence of the internet and technology in shaping contemporary discipleship, emphasizing how individuals are often unconsciously discipled by the digital content they consume. Eldridge notes that this constant influx of information creates impatience, leading to a diminished experience of God's presence. This inadvertently shifts focus away from nurturing a heartfelt connection with God, resulting in missed opportunities for substantial spiritual growth. The burden of feeling distant from God is attributed to these distractions, which can undermine the cultivation of an intimate faith.
Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Connection
Listeners are encouraged to take practical steps to enhance their spiritual lives, such as reducing screen time and establishing a sacred space for communion with God. Eldridge suggests that individuals can find an intimate connection with Jesus by turning their prayers inward and recognizing His abiding presence within them. Simple practices, like engaging with quiet worship music and being still, can significantly enhance one's spiritual awareness and connection. By actively seeking to eliminate distractions and inviting Christ into daily life, individuals can begin to experience the deep intimacy that the soul craves.
How do we get back to an experiential relationship with God? This is a question we have been talking about for months on the podcast and today’s episode, we have John Edredge on to share his perspective on it. We talk about the importance of a holistic and experiential relationship with Jesus, touching on Christian mysticism, the challenges of modern-day distractions, and practical steps to foster an intimate communion with Christ. This conversation is packed with gold and we hope it inspires you in your walk with God.
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