Tag: Surrender
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2–3 minutesThere is a beauty in depending on God. The process of laying down burdens and allowing peace to come is an unmistakable rhythm that can’t be replicated through any other means. Through the flow of recognizing and surrendering to dependence on God, lasting contentment and joy can be found. Yet, there is something in us that pushes against the idea of dependence. The very thought of being reliant on someone outside ourselves can bring anxiety, fear, and frustration. In short, it awakens pride. Pride swells up at the notion of dependence, resisting that which is a fact of our being;…
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6–9 minutesGod called a man who thought himself ineloquent and with impeded speech to speak before a king. In fact, he wasn’t called just to speak, but to demand the release of all the slaves. He was called to walk into a nation and upturn their society. One man, with what scholars believe to be a stutter and who worked for his father-in-law out in the fields, was presented with this grand destiny. And he said no. Exodus 3 tells the story of God appearing to Moses through a burning bush. Moses, like many of us are prone to do, began…
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4–7 minutesIn high school, I was a sprinter. My destination was always in sight, and it was quick to reach. All of my energy was expended for several seconds, and then I was done. Recuperation was also short, so there was an ease with which I experienced the ebb and flow of energy release and replenishment. I tend to believe that everything should offer that same immediate sense of accomplishment and subsequent relief. Run, cross the finish line, reset, and then move on to the next race, the next task, or the next thing. Life isn’t a sprint toward a finish…
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1–2 minutesBreathe in Pull in the suspended weight All the stress The anxiety The fear All that threatens to crush you See the deception The distraction The illusion dances like vapor Hiding its emptiness Behind lies Exhale Refuse to own it Expel the vacuous cares Draw at fresh breath Pure, righteous, and sustaining From the Fountain of Truth
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1–2 minutesBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 I would like to say I am very self-controlled, but I am not. In fact, I am rather self-indulgent. Allowing things that aren’t for God’s glory, no matter how right they seem, to consume my attention and take space in my heart is idolatry, not control. Our pride can easily disguise itself in these impure motives. God breaks…
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6–9 minutesCharacteristic of the lifestyle of a Christian is imperfect pursuit of Christ. The propensity to sin is present in us all. At times, that can be frustrating. Our desire to trust and rely on God can get drowned out when uncertainty comes our way. We can purpose in our hearts to be more consistent in godly habits, but can find ourselves leaning back toward familiar behaviors. Life can bring big events that sway our hearts, but other times, monotony and routine can give way to complacency. We fail to be ever vigilant as commanded. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary…
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1–2 minutesIt feels like free-falling. The surrounding winds roar all your fears and insecurities at volumes that could shatter your eardrums. The instinct is to grab onto something, to grab hold of anything. There is nothing tangible in arms reach. The options are limited, the voices gain ferocity, and the urge to regain control feels all-consuming. Close your eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel the comforting presence of God’s breath inside you, coursing through every part of your being. Listen to the rhythmic pounding of life that has been divinely imparted to you. In each breath and in every beat of…
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4–6 minutesIt’s the time of the year in which we start to self-assess. Did I lose the weight I wanted? Did I stick to that new workout routine? Did I get that promotion? Did I reach out to that estranged friend? Did I limit my screen time and spend more time with family? At some point, after eating candy canes and before picking out the bubbly for New Year’s’ Eve, the resolutions made at the beginning of the year come rushing back. Maybe goals were accomplished, maybe they weren’t, or maybe none were set, just passively considered. Whatever the case, the…
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1–2 minutesNow may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 I know of God’s overwhelming goodness, yet my heart and mind get weighed down. I feel heavy and scared, somehow holding the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and love in one hand and my sin patterns and desires in another. Both demand my heart. Neither can coexist. When that happens, my hands need to come together. As…
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1–2 minutesTherefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 Those feelings of being unable to control aspects of life, of being weak or simply not good…
