There was a major solar eclipse this week, and don’t worry, you didn’t really miss it. It was only visible on the other side of the world.
They were showing videos and pictures of it on the news, and one of the meteorologists said when you see pictures of an eclipse, it’s kind of okay, but it’s really something you have to experience.
And he is so right.
If you were in Texas for the solar eclipse in 2024, you probably remember what that felt like. The sky suddenly got so dark it looked like nighttime. The air felt cooler on your skin. The bugs started chirping like the day was ending. It was one of those moments where pictures and videos just couldn’t fully explain it.
You had to be there.
I think that’s true when it comes to Jesus too. You can hear people talk about His goodness. You can listen to stories of what He has done in someone else’s life. You can know all the right words and even believe that what they’re saying is true.
But there is something different about experiencing Him for yourself.
When you bring Him your hurt and realize He is near, that changes something. When you ask for forgiveness and feel the weight of grace, that changes something. When you see Him provide, comfort, guide, or give you peace in a moment when you should not have peace, you start to understand His goodness in a way no one else can fully describe for you.
Psalm 34:8 says it this way in The Message: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.”
That is such a beautiful invitation.
Don’t just hear about Jesus from someone else. Run to Him. Talk to Him. Open your eyes to what He is doing. Taste and see His goodness for yourself.
Because once you experience Jesus personally, you realize He is even better than anyone could explain.