Untangle
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
~St. Augustine
Everything is upside down and inside out right now. This whole process of the DOWNSIZE has really forced me to UPSIZE my view of God. (For those of you who missed the post “Downsize”, click HERE to read.)
Is there nothing off-limits for God when He moves mightily in our lives? Scripture says He is jealous (Exodus 34:14), willing to untangle or remove any obstacles, idols or issues that keep us in cages in our lives. Jesus wants nothing to come in the way of an intimate personal relationship with Him. He has new things to show us, new places for us to roam with the gospel! Ankle-deep in the mud, standing in dark dungeons won’t work if we’re to move forward with Him into the light of new life.
This is a time of testing, a stripping away, to get down to the solid Rock of my faith. I have placed faith in things, ideas, talents and people – all sinking sand – but will I place my faith in Christ alone? Pride picks a fight with humility, warring in my heart and wearing out my soul.
Do I think I can accomplish anything lasting for the Kingdom of God on my own strength? Can I spouse, parent, daughter, write, serve – whatever! – successfully without Jesus? In what do I depend? Am I so foolish that after beginning by means of the Spirit I think I can finish by means of the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
CANDID MOMENT #1: This process is a terribly vulnerable, scary and unsure one. Routines I trust in, people I lean on, most anything that has been a mainstay for me seems long gone. This season feels like God has tossed my entire life in the air and I’m left watching where it will all fall. While I’m thrilled with where God could lead, the untangling process itself is painful.
CANDID MOMENT #2: Why does it feel like every time I sell or donate a piece of furniture or item of clothing I am giving away my memories? For a long time, it felt like I was giving away pieces of my life and my soul. How is it that I know my residence is in HEAVEN but I have my feet so firmly planted on EARTH? I know my soul is Christ’s for eternity but my heart is longing to hold on to the things of the past. Why is there such a disconnect? Why am I so emotional?
Things
are
just…
THINGS.
I can run in circles around my mind about all these thoughts, but the fact of the matter is that I can find the TRUTH in God’s Word and be satisfied, trusting in the Eternal One.
Psalm 16:5-11:
The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
His Word is what I will believe. I will trust in Him completely. Even when it hurts.
Lord, You are my portion; my heritage is beautiful. You’ve given me pleasant boundary lines. Let me set You before me – I will no longer be shaken! My heart rejoices; I am never abandoned. Let me dwell in Your presence forevermore. Amen.
