Singing a song this morning at ‘church’ (front room with the family and some songs playing a recorded sermon), I was getting in ‘the zone’:
You know, thinking about the One who has given us life and approaching His throne. My family present, including my sisters children, I am quite composed until very early in the first song the lyrics went:
‘the fatherless find their rest at the sound of your name’.
No longer fully composed, my mind understands in part, yet again, what my soul has been experiencing now for nearly 19 years…REST! So, so thankful that my soul is truly at rest!
When I look back, part of the result of growing up without a father was the opposite of rest: striving.
- Striving to survive.
- Striving to be good.
- Striving to succeed.
- Striving to feel good.
- Striving to be fulfilled.
- Striving to be accepted.
- Striving to feel loved.
Life was an endless array of striving. Once I had achieved the current goal I initially felt good, but only for a little while. Although it started with excitement and intrigue, it eventually became a driving force. Something I could not stop. And something that never fulfilled.
I would take on more and more, with no rest, no respite, no peace and no joy.
I had no idea that what I needed was not found in ‘ uccess’. It should have been obvious as every goal I set, I met, only to make a bigger one. It was never enough. The endless ‘progression’ led to more and more depression. And addiction. And discontent.
But here, in this moment, I am free. Completely. No pressure, no striving.
How can this be? I am coming to the throne of the One who is perfect, Holy and knows everything. His standard is absolute perfection.
In fact, His standard is so high, no one, let alone me, can *ever* attain it.
But here I am – and all He has for me is love and acceptance. I am acutely aware: there is no need for striving. None. Why?
Because Jesus has done it all! Everything!
He met God’s standard.
He was (and is) perfect.
He paid the price for my sin.
He carried my failure.
He died in my place.
He rose again to become the Lord of the living and the dead.
What a powerful, emotional and spiritual reality and experience! I could stay in this place for hours. Days. Maybe for eternity?!
No trouble, no pain, no fear, no sadness (though lots of tears!), just love, acceptance and peace. And joy. Could scream & shout, but thankfully for those present, I refrain. For now 😂
#thankYouJesus !
I would urge you to consider turning you life over to One who is the Lord. It’s the only way to true life.
Worry has no place.
Sin has no hold.
Death has no power.
Life? It has no end!
With all that said, have a #happySonday!