For me, this is kinda everything. I have spent the majority of my life feeling bad about being a sinner, and apologizing every time I came into the Father’s presence, always cringing and hiding because of my glaring unworthiness. About five or six years ago, while meeting with a spiritual director for the first time, she asked me to pray and ask God what He wanted for me. I wasn’t accustomed to this kind of prayer at the time, but tried it anyway. First there was silence, then I heard, “holy confidence.” I immediately wept, because I knew I would never have chosen that phrase on my own.
Again, about three years ago, I was being led through EMDR and imaginative prayer by a mentor, and in the midst of a painful memory, I saw myself hunched over and crying in front of a mirror; then Jesus came behind me, and gently placed his hand in between my shoulder blades, pushing until I stood straight, shoulders back. Then He grinned, proud to see me that way.
I still struggle to receive and walk in this good news most days, especially when I see too many examples of what seems like the opposite end of the spectrum: Christians claiming God’s name while blinded by the damage their own pride, arrogance, and lack of accountability cause. I don’t want to be that. But I do want to live like a saint, like I’ve got God in me, because I am, and I do. 🙂
I think of all the doubt and insecurities and overthinking that would just dissolve. I don't imagine a vine spends much time questioning itself or comparing itself or hustling, but is content to be part of the whole- scars and quirks embraced, dependence (co-dependence?) is celebrated. Fully present to that precious moment without the past or future distracting. Less striving, more being.
This is one of the things I look forward to the most about eternity with God and His people! The perfect unity and end of self consciousness. What freedom and peace.
Oneness with God AND one another. That’s a deep and heavy question. Where I am right now in my life after being a Christian for 50+ years, is the reality of that will be so beautiful. I’ve been contemplating some theological beliefs and that question is at the center of those thoughts. What I’ve been taught most of my life and what I believe now are mostly very different.
I don’t see oneness with God and one another happening before the return of Jesus but am hoping and praying it is what it will be at the time Jesus comes to take us home; where He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit dwell. It’s hard to be truly oneness with my spouse, let alone with the rest of God’s children. But oh what a glorious day that will be! And sometimes I pray will be soon.
I think they would flow together. If we embraced our oneness with God, we would embrace the oneness with each other. What a wonderful world it would be 🎶🎶
For me, this is kinda everything. I have spent the majority of my life feeling bad about being a sinner, and apologizing every time I came into the Father’s presence, always cringing and hiding because of my glaring unworthiness. About five or six years ago, while meeting with a spiritual director for the first time, she asked me to pray and ask God what He wanted for me. I wasn’t accustomed to this kind of prayer at the time, but tried it anyway. First there was silence, then I heard, “holy confidence.” I immediately wept, because I knew I would never have chosen that phrase on my own.
Again, about three years ago, I was being led through EMDR and imaginative prayer by a mentor, and in the midst of a painful memory, I saw myself hunched over and crying in front of a mirror; then Jesus came behind me, and gently placed his hand in between my shoulder blades, pushing until I stood straight, shoulders back. Then He grinned, proud to see me that way.
I still struggle to receive and walk in this good news most days, especially when I see too many examples of what seems like the opposite end of the spectrum: Christians claiming God’s name while blinded by the damage their own pride, arrogance, and lack of accountability cause. I don’t want to be that. But I do want to live like a saint, like I’ve got God in me, because I am, and I do. 🙂
Beautiful. Thank you, Bethany.
I think of all the doubt and insecurities and overthinking that would just dissolve. I don't imagine a vine spends much time questioning itself or comparing itself or hustling, but is content to be part of the whole- scars and quirks embraced, dependence (co-dependence?) is celebrated. Fully present to that precious moment without the past or future distracting. Less striving, more being.
Doesn't that sound lovely?
This is one of the things I look forward to the most about eternity with God and His people! The perfect unity and end of self consciousness. What freedom and peace.
Content to be a part of the whole….I love that!
Oneness with God AND one another. That’s a deep and heavy question. Where I am right now in my life after being a Christian for 50+ years, is the reality of that will be so beautiful. I’ve been contemplating some theological beliefs and that question is at the center of those thoughts. What I’ve been taught most of my life and what I believe now are mostly very different.
I don’t see oneness with God and one another happening before the return of Jesus but am hoping and praying it is what it will be at the time Jesus comes to take us home; where He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit dwell. It’s hard to be truly oneness with my spouse, let alone with the rest of God’s children. But oh what a glorious day that will be! And sometimes I pray will be soon.
I love this: "It’s hard to be truly oneness with my spouse, let alone with the rest of God’s children." Isn't that the truth?! :)
I think they would flow together. If we embraced our oneness with God, we would embrace the oneness with each other. What a wonderful world it would be 🎶🎶