Accepting Your A.L.L.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a LIVING sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)
We find ourselves amid the tension of the messy middle - the space that resides between the year we've left behind and the one that is off on the horizon. It is here where we often get caught up in the trap of fixating on our destination or nostalgically holding onto days that have passed. It's precisely in this middle space that God extends a compelling question: "Why are you here?" It's not a rebuke or a judgment; rather, it's a gentle invitation for Him to engage with us, lavishing boundless compassion and grace.
To navigate the present, we need to embrace the reality of our current moment—the life we're ACTUALLY living, not the one we yearn for, once experienced, or meticulously planned for the future. This is our life before God, complete with its moments of goodness, challenges, and imperfections. It's an invitation not just to accept but to express gratitude for God's provision and His presence right here and right now.
However, these encounters aren't always comfortable. Sometimes, God's voice disrupts our status quo, shaking up our convenience and pushing us beyond the confines of our comfort zone. His words compel us to face neglected areas of our lives. In these moments, we must not only welcome God to meet us where we are but also recognize that He calls us to take the next step of faith right from that very place. May we summon the courage to embrace our lives, express gratitude, and move forward in faith, trusting in the ever-present love and guidance of our compassionate Creator.
Take a moment to reflect on your current circumstances.
If God were going to ask, “Why are you HERE?,” how would you respond?
How would you describe the current condition of your heart? What do your actions, thoughts, and words actually reveal about your heart?
What is the dominant emotion you are feeling right now? How is this emotion displayed in your actions and words? Why is this specific emotion overpowering others, and what is fueling its power?
If your life was a book, how would you title the chapter closing out 2023?
After reflecting on the above questions, write out a prayer offering your actual lived life to God, and a willingness to display faith, trust, and obedience in the present moment.