DJ's conception of sin really struck me. It is a self-centeredness and need for control that affects every relationship and emasculates the one with God. This is a place from which sin emanates; a state of mind in which we do not want the grace of our creator because we want to be our own god. And instead of confronting this "addiction" or "infection", we remain in denial. I relate to the addiction to control and self-centeredness. After all, if I continue to believe I am in control, I can build my walls higher, alienating myself, and then I will finally be safe. But the reality is, all I am doing is locking myself into a dark room where my only company is the manufactured "Anneliese", not made by God, but pieced together by me, not made in love but made in fear.
So in this chapter, the real Anneliese, the daughter who strives to be authentic with Jesus, who sees hope and is beautifully crushed by grace....she is comforted by these words "It is safe in the presence of Jesus", and "there is no need to hide." I am a new creation, the holy spirit dwells in me, I am a partaker in the divine nature. I do not have to choose alienation and denial over relationship and truth.
As Jesus comforts me, the wall around me disintegrates and I allow myself to feel the light that shines on me. I want to celebrate in His victory, I want to embrace my identity rooted in Him, I want to experience the joy of the Gospel!!!!
Amen sister! Wow ADK- can I post a "ditto"? Very encouraging. So safe in the presence of Jesus! No need to perform Reid! Just enjoy, rest, laugh, cry, listen, feel, smell, taste, see! All I was created for.
ReplyDeleteADK "As Jesus comforts me, the wall around me disintegrates and I allow myself to feel the light that shines on me. I want to celebrate in His victory, I want to embrace my identity rooted in Him, I want to experience the joy of the Gospel!!!!"
ReplyDeleteI loved reading, "the wall around me disintegrates" his action of comforting completely obliterates as if the wall wasn't there.
Thanks for sharing this. Comforted by Him, I want to feel that warm light too! Super encouraging
Man...that line hit me hard too. After spending weeks trying to run and hide from Him because I was afraid of what I was going to hear, that line cut straight into my heart. It didn't matter how many walls I had put up, it pierced me right to the core. Yet, it gave me a sense of comfort I can only explain because it's from Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAnneliese!!!! I am so encouraged by this, and by you! Its true, our fake selves are pieced together by fear instead of perfectly made in love. TRUTH!
ReplyDeleteTo His bride and to the walls in this post,
ReplyDelete"And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.’”