Read:
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~Hebrews 10: 19-25 (NIV)
Consider:
Yesterday was Easter. We sang, “He is risen!” and praised God for the gift of His son. It was exciting and joyful. The auditorium was packed. It was a huge Jesus party!
So what does that mean for me today? I’m a teacher, so I’m up early, getting ready to go to my school. Today, my class of 19 fifth graders will survey me with varying looks of expectancy or boredom. I will respond by teaching them and doing all the other stuff teachers do like grading papers and making lesson plans. Doesn’t it all seem like a bit of a let down? Sunday was a party, but today…a regular Monday…no party. Ho hum.
I need to ask myself, is this how Christ calls me to live? Easter happens and now it is over and life simply grinds on? God goes back to heaven for a little well-deserved vacation? Jesus is back in the grave?
Listen. God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us. God sent His son who still is, “a great priest over the house of God.” (Hebrews 10:21) The Father loves me, the Son saved me, and even more amazingly, because I have accepted Christ, the Holy Spirit is mine to call on whenever I need help.
This is my truth and this can be your truth too. Claim it. We all get discouraged by the mundane day-to-day routine, but we can resolve to see life as an adventure in which we seek out opportunities to do good and spur others on as well. And remember help is near! “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
My decision? I will live every day remembering Jesus was raised from the dead. I will live in him who is the warm embrace of God’s love, never forgetting Christ’s death and resurrection despite how I feel. Is it really, really hard to do this some days? Of course! Will I fall down? You know it! Jesus knows it! Remember, He was fully God and fully man. Because of Him, “my heart has been sprinkled and cleansed.” (Hebrews 10:22) I can confess and the Holy Spirit will re-direct my actions and my attitudes. Then I will move on to whatever new adventure God has planned for me. I’m going to live like it’s Easter every day.
So can you, dear sister. So can you. God will never leave you. Jesus will never fail you. You are His precious daughter. You can live out the life of a disciple of Jesus with this confidence: Easter isn’t over.
Christ is risen from the grave.
Breathe:
Take a deep breath and just let it go…breathe out your doubts and fears and remember that God is crazy about you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Lay down whatever heavy burden you are carrying. Lay. It. Down.
Pray:
Lord God, thank you for your constant care. You meet me right where I am. You made me and you love me as your dearest daughter. Your love sets me free to live a life in which I can love and encourage others. Despite my many failings you will never, ever leave me. You went to the cross for me. I am forgiven. I am set free. It’s a gift I can never repay. Thank you, my savior! Amen
Today’s post was written by Cindy Koopmans.
