Monday 25 June 2007

All and in all

Got up this morning pretty early. This is a rare occurrence these days as I get lazier and lazier during my pre- work relaxation stint. Read the good old Lurgan Liar which was as mundane as ever. Then I saw my wee bible sitting beside the tv…remember the daddy or chips add on tv? She chose chips! Well I surpassed myself and read Colossians. Just want to write what I scribbled down as I read through it. I fear this post may reveal my brethren tendencies.
Here are a few of the verses that struck a cord with me.
Ch1: 29 “To this end I labour struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”
Ch3: 15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace”
:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”
Ch4: 2-3 “Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful….that we may declare the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains”
Ch4: 12 “That you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured”

These words resonate with me at this time in my life. The first verse particularly reminds me that when I labour for God in my own strength I grow weary. However, when I source myself in all his energy he is able to work powerfully in me. There is no striving or comparing. Things click.
Not only are my works affected by "God energy" but also my spirit. Recently I have struggled to discipline myself to spend time with God. I have felt that unsettling restlessness- probably the route of a lot of the world’s anxiety. I need to let God’s peace rule in my heart. In a way this just happens when we position ourselves to receive God’s light like the branches of a tree.
This energy affects my mind. When I submerse myself in the words that come from God's heart they dwell in me richly and lead to pure, intentional and effective thoughts. The careless slowness is transformed into clear connections. My thoughts towards myself, others and God are much more healthy and productive.
My relationships are also impacted. Devotion replaces halfhearted promises. I begin to love people from my core and so I desire to pray for them, demanding blessing and believing for change. I am compelled to be watchful for people always thanking God for those who surround me.
The supernatural energy of God pushes out my boundaries. How far will I go…chains? Even though I will never figure out this “mystery” and even though I always have more questions…I will loose myself to it. It doesn't fit logic but it makes more sense than anything I have ever contemplated. These chains are not always made of metal. There are many ways that we can become God slaves, beaten into submission and yet free and alive.
Finally this energy affirms my identity. A child of God. I become mature and assured in this. Absence of his presence leads to a wavering, wandering down paths of discontentment and insecurity. I start looking for affirmation in all the wrong places. I come to a dead end and then I come back. Thank God there are always open arms to greet me.

Christ is all and is in all. I guess if we remain in him there is nothing missing.

3 comments:

  1. the reassurance that intimacy brings.

    an anchor in the often rough seas of feeling.

    Cut adrift...

    and how we edit ourselves ruthlessly
    and feel deeply unlovable because we never dare reveal the hidden unedited self?

    Never exposed, so never truly
    loved?

    Then...this revelation of an overwhelming grace that will burn into the atmosphere of our worlds.

    Demanding nothing from us except us...demanding nothing from you but you, demanding nothing from me but me...

    God
    Love
    Grace
    Beauty
    Faith...

    Thanks for such transparency Joy...Im beginning to really value your voice
    x

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  2. "Devotion replaces halfhearted promises. I begin to love people from my core and so I desire to pray for them, demanding blessing and believing for change. I am compelled to be watchful for people always thanking God for those who surround me.
    The supernatural energy of God pushes out my boundaries. How far will I go…chains?"

    What a calling, let it be so in me...

    lets abandon everything we are to Jesus

    lets COME when He says COME

    May He continue to say COME through us...

    Imagine us walking out into the world being the very echo of Christs COME...

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  3. Sarah this stuff is amazing. I need words like this to sharpen me.. "..how we edit ourselves ruthlessly and feel deeply unlovable because we never dare reveal the hidden edited self"
    If we could fully grasp the heart of this it would lead to a freedom that I now envy. I think you are well on this journey....I'm coming too!I want his grace to burn into the atmosphere of my world...
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete