Stay in continual communication with Me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them
Jesus Calling, January 17
When I read this yesterday I was immediately struck with conviction. My first response, my default, and my automatic action is to exhaust all options whenever I feel unsatisfied with my circumstances. Whether that means that I physically change my location because I do not like what is going on around me, or I delegate out a responsibility so that I am not longer required to be involved, I will do whatever I need to alter the situation so that I feel more comfortable. So when I read these words I was challenged by the stark contrast between my behavior and the way that Christ is calling me to react. Through His word, His children, and His Spirit He has prepared me to face all the events of my day. Not a single situation that I find myself in is a surprise to Him. Before my feet hit the ground this morning God gave me access to a wealth of resources that would help me triumph over any adversity and celebrate with any success. He is beckoning, calling, and waiting for me to draw near to Him so that I can, as it says in the quoted passage, “live above my circumstances even while I am {you are} in the midst of them”. How freeing would it be to not panic when my routine is disrupted, to not be embittered when things do not occur as I thought they would? And to think that the relief that sounds so sweet to talk about is simply a prayer away…. It almost seems too simple. My legalistic mind frame wants to convince me that I have to earn the grace, earn the love, and, certainly, earn the peace that my heart and soul desire. But Christ wants me to simply spend time with Him, to draw near to His throne through reading the scriptures, fellowshipping with His people, and serving His Kingdom. Maybe I will try to talk to myself less (don’t lie, you know we all do it) and talk to Jesus more.
