There is a song I keep hearing on the radio that I love by Jason Gray. Part of it's lyrics are: "Forgiven, Beloved, Hidden in Christ, made in the image of the Giver of Life. Righteous and Holy, Reborn and Remade, Accepted and Worthy, this is our new name."
I spent some time with the Lord last night and He was so sweet to me. I felt like He was wrapping me in His love and reminding me of these words. That He has taken off the old, ugly, tragic parts of me and has replaced them with these new names. There are times in my life when you could have rightly called me a liar, impure, a stumbling block, vain, and selfish. But He conquered my weakness and clothed me in righteousness. When we run to Him and ask Him to take all of us, He proves faithful to do so. Now don't get me wrong here, I am far from perfect. My sin count is probably still greater than the average bear. But-- He is making me new. Constantly, He is loving me and shaping me to walk in freedom. True freedom is found in a life that is resting in Him and that is not bound up by sin. And how wonderful and easy it is to rest when He sees us and says- You, my dear, are forgiven. I have cleansed your sins away forever. I am replacing the painful memories. You are my beloved. It is my pleasure to know you, to pursue you, and to give you what it is you love and enjoy. You are hidden in me, this means I am your strength, your refuge, and I will hold you tight and never let you go. I will provide everything that I know that you need.
He is a gentle God. Yes, He is also a powerful, mighty, and sovereign God. But, He loves to spend tender, quiet moments with His children. We are after all, His pleasure.
Read a verse last night that encouraged me about how gracious and loving, and wise our God is.
Numbers 6:25-26 (Amplified) "The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you. The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
What a God, who cares so deeply about the intimate details of our heart and life.
The best part is, you are His child too. So rest in being His dear Beloved today.
