Today was one of those days...one of those days when, while reading a well-known verse in Scripture, one I would usually just skim over, it, instead, punched me in the face.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --2 Thessalonians 5:16-18
As soon as I read those words, I felt this overwhelming conviction. “Rejoice always"..."pray without ceasing"..."in everything give thanks." I am 0 for 3. I do not rejoice always, I do not pray without ceasing, and I definitely do not give thanks in all circumstances. As many times as I have heard or read these verses, it was as though I was reading them for the very first time. The reason that Paul could write these things is because he knew that, in Christ, we CAN do all three. This is what separates us from those that are lost--we can stare any circumstance, any trial, or any difficulty in the face and rejoice in the middle of it because our joy is not dependent upon our circumstances. Our hope is in Christ, and He promises that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose. When I tell God that my life is His, when I pray to be used and to be shaped into Christ’s likeness, I have to be prepared for Him to answer that prayer in any way that will bring Him the most glory. Paul understood this...that is why he could write: "I have learned the secret of being content in all circumstances..."
I CAN pray without ceasing! Christ's death & resurrection gave me access to the Father in prayer, but how often do I take this for granted? How little do I recognize the power and the privilege of praying to the God of the Universe? I don't recognize what it cost Christ for me to have this privilege I take for granted every day.
I CAN not only rejoice in every circumstance, but I can give thanks for it. To be very honest, this is something I have struggled with so much lately--especially this semester. The past three months have been so difficult, yet hard to explain as most of the challenge has been internal. Yes, there have been some major external trials, but most of all, God has been dealing with my heart--pruning me, refining me, and it has just been painful. But, as I am writing this, and as this verse reminded me today--my attitude should be one, not of self-pity, not of anger and resentment, but one of gratitude. James writes, “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Philippians 1:6 is one of my absolutely favorite verses. It says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus…” Everything that God does, for my good, is more importantly for His glory. I can trust His heart. I can be grateful that He loves me too much to leave me as I am. I can thank Him for sanctifying me and perfecting me so that I can bring Him more honor.
Anyway, the application that I have gleaned from all of this is that joy is a choice, and that choice is determined when I decide where I am going to place my focus. When I focus on my own circumstances, my own desires, my own comfort, I will always be discontented. I choose to fix my eyes on Christ, that He will keep my heart in perfect Peace, and give me a irrepressible joy that no trial can take away.
"Joy is not gush. Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect acquiesance, acceptance, rest, in God's will, whatever comes." --Amy Carmichael
<3 Kelly
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
the abundant life.
"...I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly..." --John 10:10
What would life be like if we had no reservations, no restraints, no fears, no hang-ups, no doubts? How much different would my faith journey be if my eyes were fixed always on Christ, and not on my own insecurities? What would it be like if we lived faith instead of just talked about it? What would happen if "reckless abandon" became more than a cliché phrase, but became characteristic of our lives…of my life?
I believe this is the life Jesus talks about in John 10:10—the abundant life. A life fully armored against Satan’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy our joy, contentment, satisfaction, identity, and purpose. Satan always breaks his “promises.” Jesus never does. And, the promise of abundant life is ours...it is mine.
The other day, I was in a conversation with a friend, and in the midst of it, my friend pointed out something about my character that alarmed me, something that I have never realized before. "Kelly, you never let anyone get too close," my friend said. And, while my first response was to become defensive, at least in my spirit, upon reflection...my friend was absolutely right. So often the walls come up when things get too personal, too "close to home," or too vulnerable.
I say this only because I know that I am not alone. Satan's attacks may vary from person to person--but his aim is always to cripple us. Satan does not want us to catch even a glimpse of the wonderfully abundant life that God has in store for us, not just in Heaven, but right here...right now. He has designed for us to experience an abundance of power, of joy, of community and relationships, of grace, of mercy, and of love. I want to experience life for all that He desires for it to be--without masks, without hindrances...just free.
This morning I read again the story of Mary & Martha. I have felt a pull this year between those two women more than ever before in my life--and I must say, my natural inclination is always to "do." But, I believe, before we can ever experience life in abundance, we have to learn to develop the priority of just sitting & being. We must be able to look at all that must be done and all that seems urgent and say, "He’s better." It all comes down to this one thing--worship. What am I going to worship? Will I worship Him or my own insecurities? Him or my own fears? Him or my doubts? Him or my to-do list?
It is so hard for us to grasp all that is available for us as believers if we would but recieve it! There is nothing we could ever do to deserve or to earn it. We've only to accept it, to worship Him...and then to walk in the abundant life that He offers us.
<3 Kelly
What would life be like if we had no reservations, no restraints, no fears, no hang-ups, no doubts? How much different would my faith journey be if my eyes were fixed always on Christ, and not on my own insecurities? What would it be like if we lived faith instead of just talked about it? What would happen if "reckless abandon" became more than a cliché phrase, but became characteristic of our lives…of my life?
I believe this is the life Jesus talks about in John 10:10—the abundant life. A life fully armored against Satan’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy our joy, contentment, satisfaction, identity, and purpose. Satan always breaks his “promises.” Jesus never does. And, the promise of abundant life is ours...it is mine.
The other day, I was in a conversation with a friend, and in the midst of it, my friend pointed out something about my character that alarmed me, something that I have never realized before. "Kelly, you never let anyone get too close," my friend said. And, while my first response was to become defensive, at least in my spirit, upon reflection...my friend was absolutely right. So often the walls come up when things get too personal, too "close to home," or too vulnerable.
I say this only because I know that I am not alone. Satan's attacks may vary from person to person--but his aim is always to cripple us. Satan does not want us to catch even a glimpse of the wonderfully abundant life that God has in store for us, not just in Heaven, but right here...right now. He has designed for us to experience an abundance of power, of joy, of community and relationships, of grace, of mercy, and of love. I want to experience life for all that He desires for it to be--without masks, without hindrances...just free.
This morning I read again the story of Mary & Martha. I have felt a pull this year between those two women more than ever before in my life--and I must say, my natural inclination is always to "do." But, I believe, before we can ever experience life in abundance, we have to learn to develop the priority of just sitting & being. We must be able to look at all that must be done and all that seems urgent and say, "He’s better." It all comes down to this one thing--worship. What am I going to worship? Will I worship Him or my own insecurities? Him or my own fears? Him or my doubts? Him or my to-do list?
It is so hard for us to grasp all that is available for us as believers if we would but recieve it! There is nothing we could ever do to deserve or to earn it. We've only to accept it, to worship Him...and then to walk in the abundant life that He offers us.
<3 Kelly
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)