I occasionally have the rich opportunity to set aside a week for guided prayer, and I want to share with you an encounter I had with Jesus in February.
I saw myself on the shores of a sizable river with Jesus. We sat around a campfire, drinking coffee together in the early morning hours. The sun didn’t set that night, and we were serenaded by color of perpetual twilight. As the summer solstice reached its peak on the river, Jesus cut to the chase. “You’re worried about alot of things, aren’t you Molly.”
“Yeah, I guess I am,” I replied.
I decided to just enjoy his company, and stop trying so hard to ask the perfect question, to make the best use of my time with him.
I sat and listened to him talk to me about life.
He explained the seasons, nature, his creation. The river, the birds, the rock formations. The rain, the silt, the sand.
I felt like a child, at last having my curiosity satisfied.
Then, it was time to go.
We stood up, climbed into our kayaks, and began to slowly paddle, entering the main channel of the mighty river. He turned back to look at me, as I synced my rowing. He said, “Its going to get a little dangerous up ahead. There will be some rapids and rocks. But watch me, do what I do, and you’ll be fine.”
The next day, I had a conversation with a friend. He shared with me that his client had an encounter with Jesus, where he felt like Jesus said to him its time to get into our kayaks and go for the rapids.
If Jesus didn’t have my full attention before, he had it now!
The most profound feeling of peace and confidence swept through me, even in knowing there would be dangers up ahead. It doesn’t take much to navigate the waters with Jesus. He is our river guide, and when I don’t have experience in a situation, he does, and his confidence becomes ours.
He is making a way in the wilderness, streams in the wasteland. All we need to do is watch him, and do what he is doing, and we’ll be fine.

This sounds simple, and in theory it is. However I find it more helpful to have a few practical applications at hand. Its important to create healthy spiritual and physical rhythms that serve both as protection and ammunition to live without fear, able to embrace the wildness of adventure.

>>>How to Navigate Through the Rapids With Jesus
Make a resolve of peace. Your inner world (thoughts, beliefs) creates your outer world. Resolve to commit every anxious thought to him. This is sometimes moment-by-moment. Practically, this might look like what we call regulating your nervous system. If you are feeling worried, overstimulated, angry, or any other unhelpful emotion, do something to reset your system. This can be as simple as drinking a tall glass of cold water, stepping outside for some sun and a couple deep breaths, or giving someone a big hug!
Limit your exposure to media of all types. Create accountability for areas of struggle. If you want to really see a difference, get off social media for a minimum of a two week fast. Turn off news, radio, podcasts. Consume content that brings you peace.
Create space to listen to the Lord. If you draw near to God, he will draw near to you. I like to set a timer, usually for 30 minutes, and choose a passage to meditate on. My first priority is to be in God’s presence. From there I might pray, listen to worship music, journal, or close my eyes and use my imagination (sanctified, guided, and guarded by the Holy Spirit) to help me listen and get filled up.



What are some helpful or encouraging ways you’ve found to navigate through challenging circumstances? Leave a comment below, I’d like to hear from you.