I'm celebrating freedom this week. Not the independence type of freedom, but the upside-kingdom type of freedom... freedom {in} dependence on Him! And it is such a relief.
He has been extending me {and you} an invitation to the promised land- a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of security, a land of peace and joy... this is what sanctification looks like: a life wholly possessed by God. He longs for us to cease striving, to give up our independence, to surrender all. He is calling us to just breathe and live in love with Him, right here. All that He asks is for us to love Him, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to His hand. He does all the rest! He even causes us to desire Him and gives the ability to obey! It's all Him! Hallelujah!
A few truths I'm learning to celebrate since attending Thrive Retreat:
- Truth #1: He just wants me to walk with Him in love, holding fast to His hand- to do the things I see Him doing, to heed the small prompts of His Spirit, and to only take up what He lays upon me each day. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
- Truth #2: I am His temple, the place He has chosen His name to abide, His dwelling place. And so all that I do in this body can be my offering. I can rejoice in all to which I put my hand.
- Truth #3: He wants to enlarge my borders- He is the God of freedom! Within His walls I am absolutely free to do whatever I please, because He is within me. My delight in His gifts brings joy to His heart. Even my care for this "temple" {self-care, rest, exercise, healthy eating, getting a shower} ministers to Him.
- Truth #4: Service then becomes overflow of the heart. I want to please Him, because I adore Him and enjoy Him. He fills and fills as I allow Him to take care of me and then my cup runneth over! Pure gift.
- Truth #5: Since it's all Him, I can ask for help. I need Him and I need others. Dependence is good for me and good for community.
I'm overwhelmed today by His grace and goodness. And kicking myself for making this Christian life harder than He ever intended. Let's get this party started!
{The Scriptures inspiring these thoughts come from our daily reading in the Autumn Harvest Challenge. Deuteronomy 10:8, Deuteronomy 11:22-24, Deuteronomy 12:5-7, Psalm 44:8}
Stay tuned tomorrow for Celebrating Community!
What are you celebrating today? Leave a comment!
