You Stand Out

A while back, in fact 4/14/2021 (as highlighted and noted in my Bible), this verse popped out at me. I closed my eyes and imagined a ring of light around me with darkness on the outside, unable to penetrate in.

The curse of sin is so prevalent and obvious, especially as we look at the world around us. But, even within myself, I can so often notice and highlight all the darkness. That darkness that I use to condemn myself does nothing but make me distracted, discouraged and starts to fill me with despair.

I will be upset that I allow my thoughts to go toward the negative. I’ll be upset that I allow myself to be discouraged and distracted. How funny that the actual things that could be discouraging are less discouraging to me than my discouragement over my discouragement hahaha!

But, listen to this. Jesus says to me, to you: YOU are my darling companion. YOU stand out from all the rest. For though the curse of sin surrounds you, still you remain as pure as a lily, even more than all others.

How in the world can I believe that about myself? I sure don’t feel pure as a lily, and certainly not more than anyone else!

Well, if I believe what Jesus said, then I stand in his purity because I received his gift of forgiveness and grace. I am, therefore, pure as a lily, despite myself.

The “more than anyone else” reminds me of my friend Pastor Jim. He always likes to say that God loves me best and that He has a picture of me on His desk. Haha! First of all, I know He loves ALL of us best and that certainly doesn’t go to my head. However, this is also true! He does love me best. He does love YOU best. There is nothing we can do to make Him love us more or less. He can love each of His children best without excluding anyone. How wild to imagine that. The vast love of God is mind-blowing!

Hold onto that. Let that sink in. Even though the curse of sin remains around us, it does not have to penetrate us. We are pure in Him…always…once and for all. Jesus didn’t have to die over and over to save us. Once and for ALL. Trust that. Drop the issues at His feet and be forgiven in an instant and then live in His love.