Jesus Over Everything

By -

It's a beautiful time of the year with the lights, the colors, the smell, and all that is beautiful and bright sparks joy and a sense of hope. There is a sense of anticipation and expectancy for many: newness and freshness, a time to start again and to keep forging forward. And for others and their reality, there is a sense of sadness, disappointment, and even dread. We carry, juggle and toggle between the tensions of what was, what is, and what we wish. It's conflicting - pulling us in different directions. It takes work and effort to keep plowing forward. We're not trying to maintain an image or prove anything; we're just trying to take the next breath, do the next right thing.  We're trying to navigate this one life. We want to show up and be present, and do it with joy and gratitude. But too often, the messiness and complexity of life attempt to snuff out the life in us. So, where does that leave us?  What do we do?  How do we shepherd our hearts in this season?  We want to savor the beauty of the moment and navigate the challenges with grace and humility. But everything in us wants to run, hide, numb, and avoid. 

We allow ourselves to feel. We acknowledge what we are experiencing. We can even speak about it. And then, Jesus over everything. We put Jesus over everything. We actively choose and tell our hearts and mind to remember Jesus is King, and he is over everything. The truth is we're never going to escape all of life's trouble unscathed. It's going to happen. But it doesn't have to derail us or set us back with each valley, disappointment, or unwanted challenge or pain. We don't have to return to old ways, habits, and thinking. We can maintain our freedom and healing. We have a gracious and loving God who aids us in our weakness. He is our strength when we feel weak, and He's our Rescue. So rather than giving up and feeling defeated or discouraged, let's try putting Jesus over everything. It may not change our circumstances or situation, but He'll lead our hearts to victory with greater trust and intimacy. 

Life came into being[a] because of him, for his life is light for all humanity.  And this Living Expression is the Light that bursts through gloom - the Light that darkness could not diminish! John 1:4-5

You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. Isaiah 26:3

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surprise

By -
Surprise! I am not a fan of surprises. Absolutely no. Clarification. I am not a fan of surprises that are not good. In other words, I only like favorable, wanted, and pleasant surprises that work for me. Otherwise, I'll pass. No thanks. I'm not too fond of the feeling of being unprepared. I like to predict and curate how I respond. I don't want to be caught off guard. Yes, I have control issues. But as I dig deeper, I think my "need" to control stems from fear. I don't like unpredictable circumstances. I don't do well with awkwardness. And I don't particularly navigate uncomfortable situations with grace or poise.  However, I'm learning life is one big surprise! So if I want the good from the unexpected, I must also be willing to accept and embrace everything in between.  In my quest to insulate myself from discomfort or pain, and avoidance of situations or taking risks that could possibly subject myself to hard things, could I possibly be disadvan
Read more

Moving Forward

By -
Moving forward is a choice. For those who have decided to follow Jesus, there is no other viable option. We must keep moving forward in Him and in faith.  We have been given everything we need for godly living and to run our race. We have direct access to grace and resurrection power because greater is He who lives in us than he who is in the world. It might be a fight, an uphill battle, but if we would not fail or falter but keep pressing forward, we'll see the victory in Jesus. Fear is a liar. Don't let the angst of uncertainty or the obstacles you see deter or discourage you. Dig deep, and stay in the game!  How do we run our race with endurance, longevity, and fruitfulness?  We run after the Father with hearts of surrender, open hands, and no ulterior motive or agenda of our own but to obey and be about the Father's business. Our obedience is not rooted in fear, obligation, or some pro-quid tactic.  It's rooted in love, gratitude, and adoration towards a loving and
Read more

The Light

By -
Over the last two weeks, the word "light" was mentioned three times by three different people, and each time, I was in the headspace of thinking of our pending transition. It's not a word that is typically used or expected, in my opinion, especially in light of the context. The word choice and frequency were significant enough to catch my attention each time. So naturally, I'm inquiring and asking the Lord, what does it mean to me and my situation?  I'm still musing over it. But for now, it's given me encouragement, confidence, and enough strength to keep moving forward in faith and trust - especially in the face of the uncertainty, the mystery, and tasks to get us from "here to there."  As I type this, it's taking one day and one step at a time - towards the light. So while I do not know all of the steps and how they will all ultimately work out, I can have peace and assurance in the steps I am taking.  For me, "follow the light, keep walki
Read more