I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:1-4 ESV
Fear or love. Every motivation of the heart can be boiled down to one of those base feelings.
Take pride for example. Pride is based on the fear that one is not good enough in comparison to some ideal or standard. Pride is based on a lack mentality, that there’s not enough to go around, so I have to elevate myself and put others down to secure my position.
Love says there is no requirement that you need to meet to receive love. Everyone deserves to be loved no matter who they are. Love is based on an abundance mentality. There is more than enough to go around, so let’s give liberally, without restraint.
All truth comes from God. All love comes from God. It is by faith that we enter into a relationship with God. How can you have a conversation with someone if you live in denial of their existence? Or fear their wrath constantly?
As believers, we have a responsibility to testify to what we have seen and heard, and experienced with God. Speak up. Be unafraid and unashamed.
When a witness gives their testimony, they are bound to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Let us do likewise. Let’s tell of the glorious things God has done. You never know who needs a pick me up, a little boost to keep their light shining strong.
Just yesterday, I shared parts of my testimony on 5 separate occasions with 5 different audiences. One was with a friend that I used to serve in youth ministry with that I hadn’t seen in a few months. God had worked some life changing miracles in my life since we last met and I couldn’t help but share the good news.
The funny thing about miracles is that it usually involves admitting just how desperate we are for God’s help. That’s humbling. We have to let down our guard and admit that, like everyone else, we don’t have it all together. Only a fool would pretend that, someone puffed up with pride.
We’re not an island to ourselves. We’re not a fortress of one. We are dependent on God and interdependent with others to have our needs met. The greatest lie in American culture is that we are independent. It’s an idol that we worship, and it keeps us from entering into the abundant life found in Christ and His eternal family of love.
Pride will keep your miracle from arriving. When you humble yourself and pray, God will answer. If you think you don’t need anyone or anything, you cut yourself off from God’s supply.
My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 GW
Within the last few months, after an extended time of solitude and soul searching, I came to my senses and realized I needed help. Lots of help. Asking for help is the hardest thing for me to do. It requires I lay my pride down and get honest about where I’m at and where I want to go. The funny thing is, the irrational fears that keep us paralyzed are usually phantoms of our own imagination. The outcome is usually the opposite of what we fear.
God knows what we need and He readily supplies it. He waits for us. He doesn’t force our sanctification. Oh, He knows that’s exactly what we need, but it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t agree with Him and cooperate in the process.
This is where we need safe people in our lives. Not everyone is safe. Not everyone can be trusted to handle your soul with loving care. Take the time to determine who is safe and who you should just be kind to, but not share the intimate details of your life with.
A good friend is a gift from God. All good things come from God. Scripture testifies to this truth.
Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn’t change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures.
James 1:17-18 GW
This is the season of gift giving and delivering presents. Give the gift of truth. Share your testimony of what God has done this year with your family, friends and acquaintances. God is ever present. He is with you. Boldly, but gently and with respect, share your story without fear. Never be ashamed of the Gospel. It is God’s power to save.
God has saved me. He has supplied all my need. He has delivered me from all my fears. Seriously. I used to have an anxiety disorder, but when I got my house in order, God took all my worries away. Sometimes I feel guilty for being so blessed. I don’t deserve His grace. But then it wouldn’t be grace if we deserved it. His love and mercy endure forever.
If you know God, be unafraid and unashamed to share the goodness of God with others. Don’t worry about how they’ll take it. We have no control over what other people do or say. We can only control our obedience to Christ. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. Do what He motivates you to do in His love. Say what He urges you to say in His love. Let the praise of God never be far from your lips. Then you will find yourself walking in the Garden of His love, each and everyday.
May God bless you and keep you. And may all your Christmases be bright and merry. And may the love of God transform your heart each and everyday to be more and more like our Father in Heaven. We are children of the King. Let freedom ring. We are free in Christ. Amen.