Eleven days ago I wrote that I did not get the whole my strength is in the Lord thing. My friend Andy wrote a really good and encouraging response to that post, it is worth a read. I wrote then that I was asking God to show me how all this works. Andy’s response helped. Today I think Psalm 73:26 did.
We read there that “…God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…” I have not completely resolved this but that seems like a declaration. I wonder if that is not the case whether I realize it in the moment or not. Colossians 3:1 – 4 tells me that my life is hidden in Christ. Romans 6:4 – 5 tells me that my life is Christ’s because I have been united in His resurrection. While I do not really grasp all the implications of that. I am not sure I have to understand it all to know that it is true.
Perhaps the reality is that whether I understand it or not, whether I feel it or not, since I have been united with Christ, He is my life and my strength. It is simply a fact like the fact that He has completed me in Him, Colossians 2:9 – 10.
So, what do you think?
We read there that “…God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…” I have not completely resolved this but that seems like a declaration. I wonder if that is not the case whether I realize it in the moment or not. Colossians 3:1 – 4 tells me that my life is hidden in Christ. Romans 6:4 – 5 tells me that my life is Christ’s because I have been united in His resurrection. While I do not really grasp all the implications of that. I am not sure I have to understand it all to know that it is true.
Perhaps the reality is that whether I understand it or not, whether I feel it or not, since I have been united with Christ, He is my life and my strength. It is simply a fact like the fact that He has completed me in Him, Colossians 2:9 – 10.
So, what do you think?
I just read this for the first time (way behind as usual); one tiny thought to throw in: I often hear the thought that "I am to be a channel of God in the world." As I write it I can't off hand think of a specific passage, although I think I see it in 1 Tim.4:6 - as I nourish others in words of faith and Biblical teaching I myself am nourished. I find that to be true, and Mike seems to exemplify that in an extraordinary way.
ReplyDeleteIf I push that out a little it seems that process could easily take place, likely does, whether I recognize it or not. I can think of several time that someone years after related how something I said had a significant impact on his/her life and even beyond. I feel quite sure all of us have had something similar. It's true in the family, also, esp. our children.
Our responsibilities are often just a matter of obedience. When we obey, it's up to God to bless our efforts.
In the words of a current radio commentator, "Just a thought..."
Yeah that has happened to me. I have been accused of helping people by saying things that I do not remember saying ever. It may be that the Lord is taking the words and having the person hear what they a supposed to hear rather than what I said. Some of the stuff I have been accused of saying was really good... made me want to write it down when they told me what I was supposed to have said...
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