Personal Appreciation

He wants your presence more than your performance.

Devotional Credit: Abide Above
Photo Credit: Unsplash

We often treasure the blessings that come from Christ, but how often do we simply treasure Him? Today’s devotional challenges the subtle tendency to relate to Jesus based on His benefits, rather than His Person. It’s not that enjoying His blessings is wrong—it’s that we can unknowingly stop short of fellowship. Like those in John 6 who followed Jesus because of the loaves, we might admire Him for what He’s done without pressing in to know where He dwells, to simply be with Him.

The Lord doesn’t want our admiration from afar. He invites our appreciation, not in theory but in affection. He is not looking for fans or followers who marvel at His works while remaining distant in heart. He delights in those who, taught by the Spirit, treasure Him for who He is—because this kind of nearness brings joy to the Father's heart. A soul drawn by divine life instinctively longs to be where Jesus dwells. That’s what He’s after: hearts that say not just thank You, but I want You.

Fellowship with Jesus isn't about trying harder to be devoted. It’s the natural overflow of a heart that sees Him as worthy. And nothing on earth is more pleasing to the Father than a heart that appreciates His Son—not for what He does, but for who He is.

When our inner life flows from this communion, our outward activity becomes meaningful. When we abide in Him with affection, our work for Him carries fragrance. But without this nearness, even noble efforts fall flat. Appreciation of Christ is not sentimentalism—it is the Spirit’s invitation to draw near and stay near.

📓 Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture:

Draw near, beloved, not because I have filled your hands, but because I have made your heart My home. My delight is not in the crowd that cheers, nor in the ones who admire Me from a distance—but in you, who seek My face when no one’s watching. My rest is found in your stillness, your quiet turning toward Me—not to get, but to gaze.

I am not merely your Provider—I am your portion. I do not only calm your storm—I walk with you in the silence afterward. When you come to Me weary and heavy-laden, I give you rest, not just from burdens, but in Me. And in that rest, I draw you deeper—not into performance, but into presence.

Let your walk mirror your receiving. You received Me in faith, in stillness, in surrender—so walk on in that same way. Let roots grow where I have planted you. Let your soul abide in My nearness. Do not confuse action for affection or work for worship. Fellowship is the fragrance I long for. I do not want your admiration alone; I want your awareness—your affection, your gaze, your dwelling.

When you appreciate Me—not just My blessings—you glorify My Father. When you rest in Me, not striving to win what is already yours, you bring joy to the One who sent Me. Let this be the rhythm of your walk: not rushing ahead to do for Me, but pausing often to be with Me.

Scripture References:
Colossians 2:6–7; Matthew 11:28–30; John 6:26–69; John 1:38–39; Philippians 3:8–10; Psalm 73:25–26; John 14:23; 1 John 1:3; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 11:3

🪄 Real-Life Analogy:

It’s like standing in the kitchen with someone you love. The dishwasher is humming, something’s simmering on the stove, and yet, there’s no rush to get things done. You’re simply there—present, together. The warmth of shared nearness makes the chores secondary. You’d rather linger than leave, because love has its own pace.

That’s what the Lord desires: not just your service in the kitchen of life, but your presence by His side. Today, in that phone call, in your commute, in the moments you reach for something to distract you—pause. Yield your thoughts to Him. Instead of thinking, I need to do something spiritual, you can trust, Lord, You are here… I want to be with You in this moment. And He will delight in your simple turning.

🙏 Prayer of Confidence:

Jesus, I treasure You—not just the grace You’ve given, but You, the giver of grace. I thank You that I am already Yours, and that You welcome my heart even when I have nothing to offer but desire. I don’t need to impress You, and You are not asking for performance. You have given Yourself fully to me, and in return, I gladly give You my gaze.

Thank You for drawing me in—not with pressure, but with presence. Thank You for teaching me that rest is not escape, but abiding. And thank You that appreciating You is more than enough to glorify the Father. Today, I receive You again with joy, and walk on rooted in Your love.