God is reminding me how embodies “good” tonight.
He gives me friends who still love me when I completely lack self-control and compassion.
He is gracious to show me how to be controlled and compassionate after showing me how not be.
He is such a loving Father that He disciplines me for my good, that I might share his holiness.
He reminds me that I shouldn’t stake my heart on the things in this world because he has given me an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me.
He knows me, and He lets me try to know Him.
He hollows out my core so he can fill me up - in other words, he puts me through searing, scorching, painful fire because He is turning me into His gold.
He blesses me daily with this gift that I can’t compare to anything, even though I treat is as nothing compared to the way I should.
He gives me things I know I don’t need as an encouragement, and He takes away things I know I don’t (and things I think I do) need to make more room for Himself - and He reminds me which is which.
He makes me His.
He loves me more than I think I understand - He’ll give me a glimpse, and remind me that that experience doesn’t even come close.
He’s anxious to have me home.
He wants to fill me up - and He shows me how to let Him.
He takes care of me lovingly no matter how ungrateful and prideful I am.
He offers me joy eternally.
No matter how much I pull away, He doesn’t let go. Ever.
We are not for one moment of our lives at the mercy of chance.
Thoughts Based in Hebrews
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely. And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Let us consider him who endured from sinners such hostility towards himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted. In the struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
My son, doo not take lightly the discipline that comes from the Lord,
Nor grow weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one whom he loves,
And chastises every son he receives.
Sometimes I am just blown away by the thought that I am truly blessed to be honed and disciplined by God. We are tested because we are loved by the Lord of everything, and he wants us to be a part of his plan. We couldn’t do that without him, but he has chosen to show us how.
Jamie Grace sings this song “Hold Me,” which I love so much because the music fits into the way I feel when I am ruminating on the way God loves me. It’s almost like his love is the sunlight, and I get to bask and rejoice in it.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Page 2 of 2
