“Settle yourself into the hammock of God’s affection. And as you do, and to the degree you do, you will give that love to others.”- Max Lucado
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”- 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 11 of How Happiness Happens as he reminds us that God doesn’t love us because of our goodness, kindness, or great devotion. Rather, His love for us originates in His goodness, kindness, and great devotion. As a result, Pastor Lucado exhorts:
“Prepare yourself for a new day. As God has his way with you, as he loves through you, those old animosities and barbed-wire fences are going to come down. That’s how happiness happens. God will not let you live with your old hatred and prejudice.”
Furthermore, as the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, we are God’s workmanship. In addition, the word workmanship comes from the Greek word poiema. ‘Poetry’ represents one way to translate the word. Thus, we’re God’s poetry! And through us (together, not independently), God expresses His creative best.
Together we deliver a complete message. Also, learn to find joy in people. Because in that process you’ll discover joy yourself. Then you start to see yourself as a cheerleader who brings out the best. Instead of a critic who points out everything else.
In conclusion, Max offers these words of encouragement:
“Your Father is following you, my friend. And on this journey of life and love, when the night strikes more fear than faith, when you find it impossible to love people who are hard to love, just pause and call his name. He’s nearer than you might think. And he’s not about to let you walk this path without his help.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you settle in the hammock of God’s affection? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “An ice cream truck in your world”
