“I . . . think . . . we all have a deep-down ache that we were made for more. We yearn to be whole. . . . “- Ann Swindell
“You who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”- Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV)
Ann Swindell concludes Chapter 4 of Still Waiting as she notes one identifying mark of Christians. That mark? – admitting our inability to achieve wholeness on our own. Yet, like Ann, we may struggle to experience that reality in our heart as well as our mind.
Furthermore, we walk a slippery slope when we start letting our weaknesses identify us. When they name, mark, and brand us, Ann states, “they slither into our worth and value.” As a result, we fall prey to Satan’s lies.
In Colossians 3:1-3, Ms. Swindell believes, Paul deliberately paired his words about true identity with his charge to “set you minds on things that are above.” That’s because we find it so easy to let the world, our flesh, and the devil speak identity over us. The truth? – Jesus gave us our true name and identity. We are His beloved. Therefore, Ann offers these words of encouragement:
“God looks at you through the eyes of compassion and sees what he has already given you: a new name, a new identity. . . . Ask him to give you spiritual eyes — eyes that allow you to see and identify yourself not by your brokenness but rather by his love and power.”
In conclusion, through the power of the Holy Spirit, allow God to change the eyes of your heart so that Who loves you defines you. Jesus Himself. Don’t allow what you lack to define you.
Today’s question: What Bible verses bring relief to your deep-down ache? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The deepest spiritual lessons”
