God has really met me in some unexpected and desperately longed-for ways this week. I know, it's only Tuesday, but He truly has, and I want to PRAISE HIS NAME for all He has already done.
He has met me through a retreat I am taking, the "Busy Person's Retreat". He has really given me a full abundance of compassion and wisdom, two of our themes for this week. I have seen Him grant me wisdom in an extremely difficult decision facing me this week, and one that had the potential to be devisive, dividing, and setting friends against friends. He is just so good.
He has given me a heart of love and compassion today that I only had because it was from Him. I could sense that He poured out His love into my heart today in a way that I had specifically asked would overflow into the lives of others, and oh! What a day it has been indeed. A reconciled friendship, where love and lovingtruth broke through 4 months of hurt and isolation. Now THAT is my Jesus. He is freeing me from some bonds that continue to enslave me in anxiety, worry, and insecurity. God gave me the distinct freedom of sharing my truth because it was good for me, and not worrying about the response. He promises to take care of it.
He have me direction and discernment in a difficult conversation, where it felt like walking on glass with MUCH, much at stake. And He prompted my heart to silence or clear, direct words during that conversation. I believe He has blessed me for that obedience.
To be honest, my cry for several months has been to really sense the LORD's presence in my life. I have been at several low points where I was tempted, or did fall into the folly of believing that He had abandoned me. May I NEVER forget the good things the LORD has done for me! (Psalm 103:2).
God has been slowly expanding my heart's definition of my neighbor, and impressing upon it (my heart) the implications of doing so. I want to love my neighbors everywhere- through my political influence, my life, actions, words, deeds, money, purchases---ALL of it! It is not a bunch of liberal phooey or political correctness. No, I do believe Jesus mandates a life that loves others in the purest and deepest (often most challenging) ways.
The Beatitudes, among several other portions of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, have been on my heart this week. Allow me to share the two that have been spoken to my heart:
God blesses those who respond to the "holy fire" for justice burning in their hearts. He promises to fill those who pursue the justice reflected in His very heart.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt. 5:9-12
Learning what it truly means to endure suffering in this life, to triumph and be joyful at our own weakness and persecution, which points to our Heavenly Father, is still a lesson I am learning. I can see the roots of a journey beginning, in which I feel like God is really calling me to put my light on a stand for all to see. This will probably mean persecution. And I am swallowing that in some ways right now.
God never promises it will be easy. But He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5)
AMEN to that.
Also, this video really captures what I am learning about loving my neighbors- all of them. Take some time to watch it, and let me know your thoughts!
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