Amazed

Found this blog that I started, but never posted. Thought it really hit the nail on the head:

Tonight I went to the Easter service at Westside. Pastor Ken talked about being amazed. During worship, the Holy Spirit began to highlight some stuff to me. We sang the song, More than Amazing, and the words really hit me.

You walked upon the water
You calmed the raging seas
You command the highest mountain
to fall to its knees....
Forgetting all our sin
You remember Your promises
You are amazing
More than amazing

"Katelyn," He whispered, "gaping at the mountains won't move them. It's only when you--not only look to me--but are amazed by me that the mountains will begin to move."

Then I realized something: saying without conviction, "Yeah...God's big enough" isn't enough for those mountains to move. It's only when I am genuinely, truly, wonderfully amazed at the grandeur of my God that things will begin to change. It's foolish of me to live my life NOT amazed. If I do, I'll be missing the whole point. You see, we cannot truly spend time with the Lord--seeking Him, discovering Him, following Him, worshiping Him--without being amazed. Genuinely being with Jesus always equals amazement. Because when I get a glimpse of who He is, I cannot help but be amazed.

This brings up the somewhat troubling question: if so little of my life is spent in a state of amazement, how little time must I actually be spending with God?

Thoughts?

Okay

Somewhere, in the recesses of my mind, I came up with this idea. Actually, I'm not sure I came up with it, because I'm pretty positive that other people share this idea. A lot of other people, actually. This idea is this: discerning the will of God is very difficult and arduous; it involves much prayer and fasting; and only once you've labored and labored is it possible to know God's will. Think: sackcloth and ashes, weeping, Catholic indulgences, beggars on the side of the road...

Or perhaps, if I beat myself over the head with a book, God will see that I'm serious and listen...

Eh, never mind about that one (now that I think about it, wasn't that from a movie? Hollywood and the way it influences us...)

Back to what I was saying...

What was I saying? Oh yes...

I have this feeling--you know, one of those feelings--that something's not quite right when I don't believe that God will tell me what to do unless I spend hours and hours begging and pleading to hear His voice. Or that I have to forgo food for a month in order to hear Him. It's not that there won't be any work involved in hearing God's voice--prayer and fasting are amazing and invaluable when you need to hear Him and it's imperative that we seek Him. He said, "Seek me with all your heart and I will be found by you." That's not exactly easy. Nevertheless, there's a difference between seeking God and groveling. One's really good; the other...not so much. The problem with this mentality is that it assumes that God doesn't want to speak to me. The reason I have to beg is because I think it's a burden for God to answer.

Wrong.

WRONG.

WRONG!

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I CHOSE you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

The fact is, God wants to share things with me and give me direction: "The Lord confides in those who fear Him" (Psalm 25:14) and "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16). He chose me, remember? When I've been pursuing the Lord with my whole heart and there's evidence of fruit in my life, then Jesus promised that "whatever [I] ask in [His] name, the Father will give [me]." Therefore, when I ask for direction and to discern His will, then I can trust that He'll show me.

And when He does, I don't have to freak out and discredit everything He just told me because it's "too easy" and I didn't spend 4 days groveling in the dirt.

Sometimes He says, "go."

And sometimes all I have to say is, "okay."

Images from: Paris Daily Photo and Costume Network Gallery

Curveballs

Sometimes life throws you curveballs. And sometimes you don't expect what's going to happen. And sometimes those curveballs make you angry or sad or depressed or frustrated.

And sometimes (okay all the time) what God calls us to do is not to get angry and sad and depressed and frustrated, rather to be thankful. And trust Him. And talk to Him about it.

Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

You see, God knows what He's doing. And sometimes, these curveballs are really just the Lord being gracious and teaching us...and when we surrender to Him, He gives us peace that we desperately, desperately, desperately need.

Because He's good like that.

Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.

P.S. That's us.

Every Time

Last night, my mom said something to me that totally convicted me. She said, “I read your blog, that post from a long time ago about working for the Lord, when you only got $7 in tips.” She commended me for my attitude. And I wanted to change the topic, quickly. The fact is, I have not had that attitude lately, at all. In fact, I’ve had a very poor attitude. I’ve whined and grumbled and complained about making a pathetic amount of tips and have been highly unmotivated to work or work well. Everything that the Lord showed me that one evening went in one ear and out the other. And I give the Israelites a hard time about their forgetfulness…

Colossians 3:23-24 says:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

The verse that stuck out to me, “because you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord." That means that He's in charge of making sure that I get what I need for the amount of work I do. I may, on average, not make enough tips to buy myself a cup of coffee, but that is not reason enough for me to not do a good job. I am working for God, not for men. God has called me to work “as unto the Lord.” He is my boss. I’m not working for a paycheck or to impress my manager, I am working for the Lord. This means that I look to GOD to provide for me, not my job. And He’ll provide exactly what I need when I need it. So when I don’t make much in tips, I am basically saying that He’s not providing enough.

The fact is, how much I make is pretty irrelevant. What matters is the state of my heart. The point is that I serve the Lord by giving my best and He provides exactly how much I need.

Every. Single. Time.  

Go Figure

I sometimes refer to myself as "one who is professional at freaking at things that I shouldn't freak out about." Tonight, this staunch career was in full force as I mentally wrestled with an overloaded mind (making sleep incredibly elusive.) An overbooked schedule, work, school, Bible studies, worship meetings, future school, travel, how to make money for travel, plans, thoughts, ideas...and a sore throat all plagued my throbbing noggin. As I lay in a tub of steaming water (I had to calm myself down somehow!), I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, "Is all this really your responsibility?"

"Yes, God." was my snippy response, "If I don't take care of all this, who will?"

Once more, "Katelyn, is all this really your responsibility?"

When He asks questions again, that generally means my answer was wrong the first time. However, never one to be easily dissuaded: "I'm not sure You understand, I have to do all this stuff. I have to have it figured out. I have to have a plan!"

"Oh? And all this is your responsibility, is it? And just where do I fit in?"

"Well...umm..." I stuttered mindlessly for a moment. He waited while I fumbled for words, before speaking, ever so tenderly.

"Don't you trust that I can take care of you? And I don't actually need your help."

I wanted to argue on about my responsibility and how I needed to take care of things, but I was starting to see that it was pointless. After all, this is the Creator of the Universe. I guess it makes sense when He tells me that He doesn't actually need my help. Go figure.

In my mind, I saw a picture of huge storehouses of wealth--filled with way more money and resources than I could even imagine. And I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "Just ask. All of these resources are at your fingertips. All you have to do is ask."

I've been freaking out about how on earth I'm going to pay my bills and get to Europe and pay for school and all of the traveling I want to do unless I work 70 hours a week for the next six months (in addition to school and ministry), all the while forgetting that my Dad has all the resources in the world. Literally. And when I'm walking with Him, He'll make a way, He'll open doors, and He'll provide all that I need. Oh, and He doesn't actually need my help. 

Go figure.

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Luke 11:8-10

 "Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door is opened."

Philippians 4:19

And My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Splashes and Ripples

Sometimes I have imaginary conversations in my head. No, I'm not schizophrenic...though, I think you could safely say I have a tendency to over-analyze things. Tonight, I was thinking a lot about all of the things I would say and all of the things I would do if there were no consequences to my words or actions. I confess there's a part of me that wants so badly to jump off the deep end into a pool of recklessness simply because I'm tired of always saying the right thing (or rather, not saying the wrong thing) always doing the right thing.

And I'm really tired of getting made fun of for choosing the right thing, too, even when it's just playful. I think that's what's really wearying to me. Somewhere in all the teasing and lightheartedness, these subtle (okay, maybe not so subtle) messages are being given:

"It's not really worth it."
"Waiting is overrated."
"Just do what feels good."
"C'mon, just jump into the pool already."

And, if I'm going to be completely honest, there's a part of me that wants so badly to say, "screw it," and do exactly what I want, when I want, and how I want, regardless of the consequences. But, deep down, I can't disregard the consequences. The fact is, I know that jumping into that pool will have both splashes and ripples. And the ripples last long after the splash is gone. Actions will always have consequences. The question is, "what do I want those consequences to be?"

Should I listen to those messages and make decisions based on what I want, when I want it, and how I want it? Here is where I run into a problem--what I want is a matter of the moment, it's a matter of emotion. And Emotion is a really good liar. Not to mention, it's ridiculously finicky. One minute it wants one thing, the next minute it's something different. It's an exhausting game working to please Emotion. A game, that quite honestly, I don't want to play.

This brings me to the other option: making decisions based on Truth. Truth is of a completely different nature than Emotion. You see, Truth is unchanging. Truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Emotion will fluctuate up and down and be all over the place, but Truth is solid. Truth will stand long after Emotion has faded. And Truth looks at that pool of recklessness and asks, "Is it really worth it? Are those really the ripples you want." Then Truth takes me by the hand and says:

"Remember. Remember why you're here. Remember why you're standing. Remember why you've made the choices you've made. Remember who you serve. Remember why you're waiting. Remember. Remember me."

And suddenly, in the face of Truth, all of Emotion's offers simply aren't as appealing anymore, because I see them for what they are: a bunch of empty emotions...that come with consequences, no less. In essence, one loud splash with a whole lot of ripples.

Today's truth that I'm standing on:

Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefeore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens--Jesus the Son of God--let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested 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 our time of need.

When God Says "No"

I was going to try and write something amazing and profound, probably relating to Valentine's Day and trusting the Lord and being content and all that jazz...but then I read this post from October. And it so very much fits where I'm at right now, that I had to share it again. So here it is:

Being the highly privileged (okay spoiled) American Christian that I am, I have this tendency to think that the world revolves around me. After all, I’m God’s kid right? My needs. My wants. My passions. They are of utmost importance. However, you might be surprised (as was I!) to find that this is not actually the case (shocker, right?).
This mentality has led me to (I’m ashamed to say) treat God as my own personal magic maker.
“Dear God. I want this, this, and this. Please deliver quickly. Thanks. Me.”
Now, if I’m going to be honest, I don’t say it quite like that. That sounds far too selfish and egotistical, which are definitely not traits that a good Christian girl like me should have. Rather, it’s phrased:

“Dear God. I understand that you are in the business of blessing your children and doing what is best for their lives. I think I could help you out on blessing my life! (Pats self on back) I have here a plan—of my own devising, even—that I think you will be quite proud of. All it requires are these few things from you (very large list follows). That’s it! Thanks God. I knew you’d understand. By the way, you rock.”

If you have ever found yourself praying anything like the above prayer, please keep reading. But be warned, you might not like what comes next (I can’t say I did either).
Lo and behold, things do not go according to my plan, God doesn’t provide exactly what I want when I want it, and I…well, I do what any sweet, loving child would—I throw a temper tantrum.
This brings me to the whole purpose of this essay. It’s really far too simple in my opinion. Two letters, actually. But put together, they cause such trauma. No. It’s only two letters—not even enough to get points for in a Boggle (yes, I’m one of those weird academic types who likes things like that, thanks for reminding me).
That’s it. No.
When God says “no....” Hmmm...when God says "no...."I know, you’re just dying to finish that sentence. When God says “no” all hell breaks loose. Or when God says “no” everything in my life goes wrong. Or when God says “no” it’s because He loves me.
Whoa there. That can't be right. Six months ago, I would've violently argued against that. But I’ve learned a lot since then.
When God says “no” it’s because He loves you. Because He loves me. Think of a two year old who has no idea what’s good or isn’t good for them. The ball is in the street. They want the ball. A car is coming. What do would you say if your kid wanted to run into the street after the ball? "Go for it, honey!"? OF COURSE NOT! You would say, “NO!”
There’s a hot stove. They want to touch it. What do you say? “NO!” There’s an extra slice of cake. They want to eat it. They have an allergy to wheat that causes them to have terrible stomach aches. What do you say? “NO!” Do you see where this is going? I'm putting this in green because you need to get this:

Parents are constantly telling their children “no” because it’s what’s best for them. Likewise, God—our heavenly Father—says “no” to us when it’s what’s best for us, because He loves us.

This past year, I’ve had to learn the hard way that when God says “no,” He means it. And when He says “no” it’s because He loves me. And if—as I’ve been asking Him for quite some time now—I truly want to experience His love, then I have to be willing to experience His “no’s,” even when I’m desperate for a “yes.”

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves, just as a father the son he delights in” Hebrews 12:6.

Having babysat a lot of bratty children, I can attest to that. Without a doubt, the parents I admire most are those who take time to lovingly discipline their children. It shows me that a parent really loves their kids when they take time to correct them properly, even when it’s unpleasant. They’re more concerned about the long term effects of their kid’s character then whether or not they’re popular with their kids at that moment. Does it really matter if they get that second piece of candy (or video game or night with friends)? Parents who love their kids don’t give them whatever they want just because they want it. They say “no.”
If that’s the case with parents, then it most definitely translates to God. Sometimes, one of most loving things God can do for me is to not give me what I want simply because I want it. In essence, when He says “no,” He’s really saying, “I love you and I'm doing what's best for me, so my answer is 'no'”
Who would’ve thunk?—that’s what’s really going on when God says “no.”

God isn't screwing up my life.

So, I just found this blog that I wrote back in April, on my myspace blog. It really really hit me. I guess sometimes it takes a long time to learn your lesson. :)

From April 7, 2008:
"This past year God has been teaching me a lot about trust. A lot more than I ever really wanted to know, honestly. But it’d be a huge lie to say that I’m not glad He’s taught it to me. Obviously, He always knows best.
However, given the choice, I definately would have opted out of learning it in the ways that I have...and it’s not over yet. For starts, had I known how long it would take me to get a real paying job, I would have cried even more than I have in the past eight months....and I’ve cried a lot. Had I known the heartbreaking emotional roller coaster I would be going on, I don’t know if I could have gone on at all.
This week especially has been stressful--because of money I’m not going to school, the mountain’s closing so I still need a job, one of my best friend’s is walking away from the Lord and is avoiding me, I’m having some health issues--and wondering what my next step is there (nothing huge and dramatic, just enough to cause me stress), I’m unsure whether or not to take a loan to get my wisdom teeth removed, my room is in shambles (I hate disorder), and I’m totally at a loss.
BUT...GOD IS FAITHFUL! AND I AM TOTALLY THANKFUL FOR EVERY SINGLE DETAIL OF MY LIFE EXACTLY AS IT IS RIGHT NOW.
You see, God has taught me a lot about trust. A big part of trust is choosing to rejoice in Him even when we can’t see how He’s working or we don’t feel His "warm fuzzy" presence. God is still God. And I am not.
When I complain, I accuse God of a lot of things. Grumblings accuse God of not taking care of me (which I have done without mincing words, too), of being a liar, of being distant, of screwing up my life...you get the picture
But "God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind." (Numbers 23:19)
When I grumble and complain, I forget just exactly who God is. I forget the promises He has given me and I call Him a liar. But, God CANNOT lie.
When I choose to thank Him for every single circumstance, no matter how frustrating, painful, or heartbreaking, I’m acknowledging His sovereignty.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
Thankfulness is acknowleding Him---acknowledging His power, His love, His faithfulness, and His plan.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughs your thoughts."
Trust means acknowledging that we don’t understand and being thankful NO MATTER WHAT. Thankfulness is not reliant on a feeling but it’s a choice. Part of that choice is acknowledging that we can’t even be thankful without God’s help, but we can be willing to try. And when we try He gives us the help we need.
It’s not always instantaneous. In fact, it usually requires a lot of pushing through emotional garbage. But God has promised to help us, and He’ll keep His promises.
What are the promises He has given me? Some of my favorites:
Psalm 145:
"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down....and is loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy."
Psaml 32:8
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you."
Isaiah 48:17
"This is what the Lord says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
’I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river."
There’s a lot more, but I really need to actually get out of bed now and get a move on this day.

"Today is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Big Enough--Ayeisha Woods

You turned water into wine - how extraordinary
Gave sight to the blind - and still I carry
My own load when you told me
To take your yoke ‘cause yours is easy

And even though my issues seem trivial
You alone are never to imperial
Its just the way that you love me
Its enough to convince me

And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand that you're big enough
But you're big enough Jesus!

You turned darkness into light - keep my lamp burning
And you are my everything
There's no denying, your love is so amazing
And even though my problems seem typical
Nothing for you is ever too difficult
You never have reservations - love without limitations

And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That you're big enough - but you're big enough

Oh, no matter how I try to get around it - I'm reminded
Wherever I go I'm totally surrounded
It's all about you - I can never doubt you
Even if I wanted to…

And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That you're big enough - but you're big enough

That you're big enough
That you're big enough

That you're big enough
That you're big enough yeah!

Zephaniah 3:17

A dear friend wrote this song based on the verse below. I had forgotten about it, until I found it just a minute ago. It hit my heart, because I was feeling particularly sad at the moment. Here it is:

The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior...he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NAS and ESV)

Come to Me, My love
for I'm strong and I'm mighty
Receive from Me, weak one
True rest for your soul

Take My yoke, My love
It’s light and quite pleasant
Receive the grace I give
Find real rest for your soul
(Matthew 11:28-30)

Abide in Me, My love
For I am the true vine
Receive from Me, My branch
Your life and your fruit

Depend on Me, My son
I have already cleansed you
Abide in My great love
From Me comes Your fruit

(John 15:1-5)

Rest in Me, My child
For I am a warrior
Receive from me, small one
the joy that I give

Trust in Me, My love
To fight your battles for you
Allow me in, My joy
to shout songs over you

Come to Me, Rest in Me, Abide in Me, My child
Receive My love, from above, listen as I sing

I am a warrior, who fights your battles for you
I am a warrior, who treads down your foes
I am a warrior, who shouts and sings over you
I am a warrior, who quiets you by My love

Who I am is all that you need
Who I am is all that you need

Mighty God

"Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel,
our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.

Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
For we are aliens and pilgrims before You...

O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand and is all Your own.
I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in theuprightness of my heart, I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You."
-1 Chronicles 29:11-17

God, how amazing and wonderful it is to offer everything back to You. You have freely given, I will freely give back.
Lord, it is so reassuring to know that provision and wealth do not come from striving, from my own works, or from me at all. No, riches and honor come from You. And I will do my best to honor You with my money, my time, and my life.
God, I trust You.
I don't trust me.
I don't trust my plans.
I don't trust human ambition.
I trust You. And I know that my life is in Your hands. And I know that where I go You will bless...or move me in another direction. You will provide. Also, I believe that You will abundantly provide that I may abundantly give.
I feel like the dreams that You've been putting on my heart and the season that is just around the corner is one of extravagance and abundance: abudant love, provision, and blessing.
I may not see it, understand it, or quite wrap my mind around it, but, God, I believe it!

Extravagant God

I feel like God has been trying to reshape my perception of Him. In fact, I think He's been trying to rip apart the little "box" I had Him in. Here I thought that my picture of God was "out of the box," but I guess I was wrong. As usual.
Lately, God has been telling me to dream. Not just dream, but to dream big, to dream extravagantly, and to dream impractically. Now, this whole "impractical" thing, hasn't gone over too well with me.
Wa-ai-ait...impractical? No, not me. I'm only going to go for what "makes sense" and fits the logical box. Why do you think I chose nursing? It's practical. It fits the mission field "box." It's a useful skill to have...it makes sense.
So, to have someone tell me to dream impractically...that's not so comfortable. It's no longer safe. In fact, it's freaking scary!
Who-ho-hoah!! Wait a second, but aren't You practical God? Right? Don't You do stuff that makes sense???? Like...um...okay...the crossing of the Red Sea, not very practical, building an ark, definitely not practical, walking around Jericho, that didn't make any sense...at all...um...300 Israelites against a bajillion of the enemy...makes no sense whatsoever...a kid fighting a giant, foolish, insane really...okay I give up!!!!!
I guess You're not as practical as I once thought.
But seriously, God, how the heck do my dreams fit together? I don't get it.
It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to me to study art and music and theater and dance. I feel called to the mission field. Not the theater world. Besides, there's very few places a person can go as an actor or musician if they don't hit it big time. And I DEFINITELY don't feel called into that world. At all. Not that it's not appealing, I just feel as if You've told me "no." Forever. Enough said about that.
That, and I really don't want to be a teacher, which is about the only other place you can go with my passions.
God, it doesn't make sense!!!!!!! It seems like everyone who pursues their passions in the arts ends up working some lame job because they can't make enough money doing what they love. It's so IMPRACTICAL!!!!!
It doesn't make sense.
What I'm passionate about is so....impractical. It's "just because." There's no real use for it other than enjoyment. Yeah, some of it can be an expression of worship, but I don't see how I can go anywhere with it...yet that's all I think about it.
God, I'm confoozled.
But I trust You.

My Two New Life Verses

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."
-Isaiah 43:18-19

"For He will come like a pent-up flood
that the breath of the Lord drives along."
-Isaiah 59:19

The first verse is so wonderful to me because there is such freedom in it. My past does not define me. What has happened before is gone and dead. I can leave it there.
The rest of the verses speak of freedom and hope. God is bringing refreshing to a barren desert. My life has been a barren desert for a long time. But He is bringing healing and life to a broken soul.
I love the second verse, because so many things in my life have felt pent up, boxed, and stagnant. But the dam is about to break, and my heart is about to be overwhelmed. Even now, I can feel the water begin to trickle on my face...Oh God, open the floodgates and let it rain!

Living In Christ

Dear God,

Things always work better when I go to You first. Decisions, plans, everyday life...even my devotions, they flow smoother when I come to You first. Holy Spirit, come and fill me. I need You. Its amazing how easy it is to become complacent...also, how easy it is to forget just how much I love and need You. But, when I'm not with You, I miss You. A lot.
Lord, I don't want to live the silly, ridiculous, worry-filled life I've lived for so long. I don't want to grope around in the dark, wondering what the heck am I doing. God, I want to know You. I want to be close to You. I want to know the sound of Your heartbeat.

Colossians 2:6-7
"So, then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness."

Notice, the very first thing is receiving Christ. When people first receive Christ, they generally go through a "spiritual high." The world is now incredible. Although....after awhile, life no longer seems as rosy and beautiful. Reality sets in with problems, frustrations, and not-so-fun emotions. The God who was so close, now seems distant, quiet, and if He's abandoned you. What happened to the wonderful warm-fuzzies????

Notice that Paul is talking to those who have already received Christ. Next, he instructs them to "continue to live in Him." Living in Christ is a process. As with most things, our relationship with Christ requires continual upkeep. We tend to put a minimal amount of time into Him and expect Him to meet our every need and desire. It doesn't work like that. God cares more about our relationship with Him than making our life perfect. This relationship needs tending. Daily devotion and discipline are part of the equation. Living in Christ is not a one time decision that a person makes at camp or a mission trip and forgets about. It's a process.

Another aspect of living in Christ is "being rooted." Many of us have heard the analogy of a tree. The strongest trees are the ones that have to dig deep into the earth for water. Their roots push harder and harder searching for life. That same concept applies to us. We cannot be surface-level Christians and expect dramatic spiritual things in our life.

Jeremiah 29:13-14 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..."
We have to seek, though. God only reveals Himself to those who want Him.

Along with being rooted and having a firm foundation, God wants us to be built up. Having roots speaks of our foundation--where we stand. Being built up speaks of moving and of growing. God doesn't want us to just have that firm foundation and to stay in one place. It's easy for us to get caught up in our "Christianity." It's easy to become stagnant. But that is not God's heart for us. His desire that we continually grow, change, and learn new things.

Many times, I get so fed up with myself and my own weaknesses. Once again, God's desire for me is not that. Paul says that we are to be, "strengthened in the faith." God is my strength. He gives me faith so that I can have strength and walk in righteousness. When I feel as if I can't go on, I can have strength--not of myself, but of Christ.

Finally, Paul says to "be overflowing with thankfulness." Many times when I'm frustrated, I'll mumble half-heartedly, "Thank You, Jesus for my circumstances." But I don't mean it. Those are just words. God wants me to genuinely overflowing with thankfulness--meaning, I have way MORE than enough. How can I be overflowing with thankfulness, if I'm grumbling or complaining? Part of growing in Christ is learning how to be completely thankful in all circumstances and to delight in God for who He is...not because He's made my life perfect.

God, I ask that You would do these things in my heart. You would give me deep roots, build me up, strengthen me, and help me to overflow with thankfulness. God, You are so good to me. Give me eyes to see Your goodness everywhere. Help me to focus on what You want me to focus on...and not what I want.
God, I confess, I'm pretty frustrated with some things right now. But, I want to lay those at Your feet and give them completely to You. You are my God, my hope, my life. I thank You for my situation and my circumstances. I thank You for working in my life, even when I cannot see it. Thank You that You are faithful and that You love me.
I love You.
Love,
Me