For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
~2 Corinthians 5:14
I am overwhelmed and overcome by His love. It’s as though I was dead and He has raised me back to life. His Word is taking on a new shape and weight in my life- it’s becoming real and it’s making me feel alive.
He is waiting for us. He is waiting for us to say yes to Him and embrace the love He has for us- that is what compels us. His love is what leads us. There is no other way forward, no other way into the Kingdom. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. As He tangibly reminds me of His love these days, I pray to be kept in it.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.~John 15: 9-10
He is showing me what it means to remain in Him. When I search for answers outside of Him, I come up short, because my life is only found in Him. This truth is taking on a new dimension in my life. He is teaching me what it means to be ruled by the Spirit instead of the flesh; to be led by Him instead of myself. If I go forward in my own strength or am led by my own desires, I am not remaining in Him. I have to learn this through trial and error, heartbreak and pain. Unless we fall, we won’t know the incredible depths that His love can reach.
He is lifting me out of the depths and setting me back on my feet.
He lifted me out out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
~Psalm 40:2
I pray that as I go forward, whatever may come, I may remain in Him. Whether He showers me with blessings or takes away everything that I know, I will trust Him. My allegiance is with Him, because He loves me. He loved me when I was not worthy, and I never will be worthy- but He will love me anyway. He is the good Shepherd and I am His sheep; I know His voice and I respond only to Him.
This outrageous love compels me. There is more than enough to go around. He will transform us with His love if we will let Him, until there is nothing we can do but pour it out. I want to live always overflowing.
rhythms of grace 