Freedom in Christ
Freedom in Christ. That is such a novel concept. We hear that phrase over and over in church, personal devotions, and Bible Studies. Sometimes, such as simple phrase makes total sense in our head. At the same time, the truth behind its meaning fails to penetrate our heart and deepest part of our being.
Our whole lives are spent trying to concur this and accomplish that. We must make our mark and cross countless finish lines, victorious. We spend our day in perpetual motion as the world around us runs at a relentless pace. Sometime keeping up seems to be just too much to handle.
When the weariness and frustrations come, mistakes happen and the feelings of inadequacies creep in. Where do we turn for refreshing? Where does one turn to renew their spirit, and find rest? Do we take a day off? Maybe we should go on vacation. These fixes may help a little, but they are merely temporary.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
True Rest
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus answers the question, where do we turn? We turn to Him! We can give Him all our mistakes, inadequacies, and heartbreaks. ALL our burdens belong with Jesus. In this crazy world, He alone can quench our thirst, and give us rest. Only He can provide us with a true, perfect, and lasting peace.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
In life, we will always make mistakes and come up short. There will never be enough money, accomplishments, or progress. We will always be left with the notion that we could have done more, or that we could have been better and tried harder. I do not know about you, but when I make mistakes and come up short, I tend to replay the situation over and over again, while beating myself up. The result is stress, sleepless nights, and utter exhaustion.
But in Christ, we find rest, acceptance, and refreshment. He sees past our mistakes and shortcomings. He sees us as righteous, redeemed, and loved. Our victories and defeats do nothing to hinder or enhance His love for us. Resting in that knowledge brings a perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
When mistakes and defeats happen, and they will, rest in the knowledge that you are beloved, whole, and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. In Christ, you are made whole.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, should and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23
I think Franklin Jentezen made a great point once. He said that sometimes, we look at our lives. We think we’re doing everything right, “where are my blessings?” Then we look at our neighbor and think, “they’re doing everything wrong and somehow God is blessing them?” He points out that the difference is because they rely on God’s grace and they believe God. They know it’s not about them. The older I get, the more I realize that the whole entire point of the Bible is, “humans can’t ever be ‘good enough.'” You know that list in Romans that goes on for pages about all the people who can’t inherit the Kingdom of God? I have a distinct feeling that the whole point of that list is to say “pretty much everyone can identify with something on this list. We’re all guilty.” The flipside is that we are all made righteous in Christ. So! That means that you can be a total screw up and there’s still enough grace for you, because when God sees you, he doesn’t see your sin, He sees Jesus. I have a horrible time fitting in at church. I feel so judged. I feel like I can’t fit into the Righteous Enough Club… You know when you look at the Bible, the people who were Jesus’ favorite people were the prostitutes, tax collectors, and swearing fisherman. When I think about that, I feel like I have a family with God, and I don’t so much worry about the churchy club that I don’t fit into.
Love, this Janette! Amen!
Great insight Janette, Thanks for your comment. …and thanks for visiting our site.