…that you, being firmly rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge…

~Ephesians 3:17b-19a

God is beyond time—He created everything and has always existed (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-4). He is everywhere all at once (omnipresent), and He knows everything (omniscient). God holds everything together with His Word (Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3)—He is all-powerful (omnipotent). He knew you before He formed you (Psalm 139: 15-16). 

And, no matter who you are, where you are, or what you’ve done, God loves you.

Maybe you’re running from God right now. You want to do life the world’s way, on your own terms. You’re confident that you can think, speak, and act outside of God’s view. Like a toddler who covers her own eyes and thinks she can’t be seen, you fully believe you can hide from God. Oh, but let’s look at the glorious words of Psalm 139:7-10: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I lift up the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.”

Sweet friend, God knows you. You cannot hide or run from Him. He created you for relationship with Him and wants You to be reconciled with Him. That’s why—while we were still running, hiding, sinning—God the Father sent Jesus, the Son who is fully God and fully Man, to live the perfect life we could not and die the brutal death we deserved, making the payment we owed. Then, when Jesus rose victorious over sin and death, we who accept that it counted for us, receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God by grace through faith. This is the love of God for you (Romans 5:6-11). You can stop running…you can rest in His love.

And, believer, what about you? Perhaps you are in Christ—surrendered and saved—but you feel alone, afraid, abandoned? Oh, beloved…it’s a lie from the enemy of your soul! We can never, ever be separated from the love of Jesus. In His victory, we are co-victors—but more than that, we are His children, one with Him and heirs of the Kingdom. More than conquerors. And because of this, nothing, no one, no powers-that-be can put a wedge between us and the love of God. You are not alone.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction, or turmoil, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were counted as sheep for the slaughter.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 8:35-39

Friend, may you and I root our lives in this truth! No matter what storms come against us (because they will). We are loved and known by God, and we’re made inseparable from the love of God in Christ. And what a mind-blowing joy to read the way Paul talks about this in Ephesians 3, as he’s praying for that church family. He basically says, “Friends, stand firm in knowing the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love…and…rest in the fact that it’s too broad, long, high, and deep for us to ever know.” Amen!

Lord, may every person reading these words recognize the glorious truth of Your love. Love that saves by grace through faith…and love that never leaves or forsakes. And may we all rest in the unknowable power, presence, and vastness of You. 

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe.

~Acts 2:42-43a

It’s week two of the new year…how are your resolutions going? I heard a statistic recently that something like 88% of people who make resolutions have broken them within two weeks. Yikes. There are a lot of reasons why this happens: we set unrealistic goals, we have no strategy, or we simply abandon the initial enthusiasm of it all. 

In diving into the second chapter of Acts, within Peter’s first big sermon after the promised Holy Spirit came upon those gathered, some spiritual resolutions jumped off the page. Now, in addressing the crowd of new believers, Luke (who wrote Acts) didn’t call them “resolutions” per se…he spoke about how they “devoted themselves”. This is beautiful, isn’t it? Yes, we can “resolve” or make a decision to do something. But “devoting ourselves”…this connotes throwing ourselves fully into whatever it is we’re devoted to. As Luke describes the response of the 3000 newly saved, five areas of devotion are clearly defined. And before you think, “Well, these are for newbies in the faith,” let me say that we are never done maturing! From the moment we surrender to Jesus until we’re in His presence in glory, we must grow spiritually. We must devote ourselves to it!

So, what are these five never-ending to-dos from verses 42-43?

1. Savor God’s Word. Carve out time daily to delight in, learn from, and be convicted by Scripture. And sit under the teaching of a solid Bible teacher. And with podcasts, you can also hear from pastors from around the country (whether living and active teachers like John Piper, Ben Stuart, or my own pastor, Joby Martin, or those who have gone to be with the Lord, like John MacArthur and Voddie Baucham). Just be careful of the many popular heretics of our day, who are satisfying itching ears (Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Steven Furtick, to name a few).
2. Engage in fellowship (literally, “partnership”) and discipleship. We are called to not give up meeting (Hebrews 10:25) and to spur one another on as fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24). We’re to sharpen one another, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). We do this by being part of a local church community. (Again, online and podcasts are fine, but being present among a church fam is vital!) Maybe this year, you can find a younger believer (younger in the faith, not necessarily chronologically) to disciple. And (note I didn’t say “or”) find someone to mentor/disciple you this year—to keep you accountable and carry your mat when it’s needed (note I didn’t say “if”).
3. Participate in communion. Jesus instituted two ordinances for us believers: baptism and communion. It doesn’t matter how often your church body celebrates communion, as long as it does! Communion is the opportunity for us to remember the Lord’s sacrifice—to contemplate His death and resurrection, proclaiming the gospel through this action.
4. Pray. Without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). We pray alone, with our spouse or mat-carriers, and in the church gathering. We talk with God, cry out to Him—or just cry to Him, praise Him, thank Him, beg Him. And we listen to Him, through His Word and through the Holy Spirit, our counselor.
5. Stay in awe (verse 43a). Do you “keep feeling a sense of awe” for what the Lord has done for you? For God’s creation? For the astonishment of our senses that point to heavenly reality? For the fact that we were dead, and now we’re alive in Christ? Sweet friend, this is one that I’m particularly focused on being devoted to (immersed in, constantly aware). May we never cease to glorify God for, well, everything.

If you’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for a day or 50 decades, I challenge you (and me) this year to be devoted to the things that will deepen our relationship with the Lord and make us more like Christ.

Lord, You have given us all the tools we need—including the indwelling Holy Spirit—to be transformed into the likeness of Christ on our way to glory. May I continually devote myself to this purpose.

The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

~Psalm 19:7

If you’re a New Year’s Resolution kind of person, then during this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day you may be mulling over the changes you’d like to make in 2026 (still hard to believe another year has come and gone!). Perhaps you’ll write a list to post on your fridge or tuck away in a drawer. Maybe you’ve purchased a fresh journal in which you’ll decree your “to-dos” and “not-to-dos” for the year, with the intention to fill its pages with your 365-day journey. Or maybe you’re a “word-of-the-year” person—choosing a single word for 2026 to intentionally drive your thoughts, words, and actions.

Maybe, though, you think New Year’s Resolutions are for the birds, and January 1 is simply a flip of the digital calendar page. 

Whatever your perspective on one year’s end and another’s beginning, time is undeniably ticking for all of us—whether you’re 18 or 88. And life’s passage requires growth and development. In fact, as followers of Jesus Christ, we Christians are made to be transformed. At the moment of salvation (surrender to the work of Jesus on our behalf), we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17)—the old nature passes away as we are forgiven and set free from the shackles of sin. Then, our life task is to be continually conformed into the image of Christ, day by day. To progress in holiness and righteousness, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, as we walk through this life toward heavenly glory (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). We are called to spiritual evolution. 

But how do we accomplish this? We have all the instruction we need in the Bible! God’s Word is a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), our sustenance (Matthew 4:4), the truth (John 17:17), purposeful (Isaiah 55:11), and eternal (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35;). God’s Word teaches, corrects, and equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). And that’s just the start. For a full description of the power of God’s Word, check out Psalm 119!

Reading and meditating on God’s Word keeps us focused on truth—it informs us who we are in Christ, what is right amid this upside-down world, how to keep from falling prey to the enemy’s schemes. God’s Word is powerful—in fact, “by the Word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6). And it will convert, convict, console, and conform us. Most importantly, God’s Word keeps us from believing the pervasive cultural lies that constantly bombard us. Through reading and studying the Bible, our minds are renewed daily and stay clear, rather than being dulled and lulled into succumbing to wide path of worldly ways. It’s so much easier to go with the flow than to swim upstream. But God’s Word roots us in truth, strengthening us to stand firm and walk in wisdom—not as a fool.

So, for 2026, consider making a New Year’s evolution—a commitment to grow deeper in your faith and knowledge of God through the study of His Word. Day by day, plunge into the amazing Truths laid out for us from Genesis to Revelation. I promise, sweet friend, whatever your personal vision for next year may be (or even if you don’t do resolutions at all), if you consume the Daily Bread of the Bible each day, you will be changed for the better. And, if you haven’t yet experienced the freedom offered by Jesus Christ—reconciliation with God, forgiveness, and new life—why not make today that day? There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with an entirely new you.

Lord, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Thank You for clearly providing your pure and powerful Truths so I can walk in wisdom, live with righteousness, and experience Your peace.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

~Luke 2:14

I can say with confidence that everyone who loves Christmas also loves Christmas carols. Don’t get me wrong, there are different levels of carol-loving. Some of my friends literally start cranking holiday tunes in October. (These are the same friends who are ecstatic when carols start playing at Home Depot and Big Lots around the same time, while the rest of us roll our eyes.) My dad would, without fail, start every day-after-Thanksgiving with classic carols beckoning us out of bed for tree trimming. Others don’t care to hear these familiar tunes until Christmas Day is a just few days away—you know, when they’re scrambling to “get into the Christmas spirit” with last-minute shopping and decorating.

And when thinking of those classic carols, who doesn’t love “Hark! The herald angels sing”? Written by Charles Wesley in 1739 and becoming a standard carol about 100 years later (1857), this popular carol is featured in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. No matter your age, its triumphant melody is one of the prevailing undercurrents of this season.

But, friend, did you realize that this song is more than its familiar tune and well-known verses? “Hark! The herald angels sing” is rock-solid theological truth—it is prophecy revealed, from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Biblically sound description of the Person and work of Jesus Christ, and clearly lays out the why behind His birth. If you want to know the real reason for the season, all you have to do is study this amazing hymn. Although I could spend thousands of words underscoring Biblical theology in each turn of phrase, I’ll just give some overview—but I hope it piques your interest to dive into your Bible and drink in the amazing truths in this song. (You’ll see “homework” Scripture for you to reference with each verse!)

The overarching theme of Wesley’s “Hymn for Christmas Day” (its original name) is simple: The redemption of mankind to glorify God. In the Garden, from Genesis 3, God declared His plan to reconcile us back to Him through a God-Man who would declare victory over Satan and death. God gave us clues (prophecy) throughout the Old Testament pointing to Jesus’s birth, life, sacrificial death, and saving resurrection…and Wesley points to many of these while he praises God for it all—and bids us to join along.

Again, there’s so much packed in each verse! But here are some highlights:

• Verse 1: Praise God with all of heaven—everyone—because Christ has been born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to reconcile God and sinners! (Luke 2:14)
• Verse 2: Jesus came to earth, fully God and fully Man, to dwell with us. He was, as Isaiah prophesied, born to a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14)
• Verse 3: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born to remove the curse of death, to raise us to new life in Him, to transform and renew us. (Isaiah 9:6; Malachi 4:2; John 1:4; Psalm 27:1; Philippians 2:7; Romans 6:4)
• Verse 4: This verse combines Garden prophesy of Christ’s birth (Gen 3:15) with Isaiah-to-Revelation prophecy when the time comes for all nations to bow, every tongue to confess, and the fallen world/nature to be perfected. (Haggai 2:7; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 3:17; Isaiah 65:25; Revelation 21-22; 2 Peter 3:13; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:13)
• Verse 5: We are all born into sin, but through Jesus we are transformed—from glory to glory—into the image of Christ. We are lost but are found in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5:12-18; John 3:16)

And, of course, there is every refrain that is shouted with joy between each verse—a beckoning for us to join all of heaven in celebrating God with us, the King of kings, our Savior: “Hark! The herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King!”

Father God, may we never cease to focus on You this Christmas, giving glory and praise for the way of reconciliation You made through Jesus Christ—our Emmanuel

The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me.  

~John 17:22-23

I love my church family. In fact, as I stand at the doorway welcoming people in, I’m in awe every week at the beautiful breadth of nearby residents who enter in. Some who woke up excited to hurry into the House of the Lord for worship. Others who were literally driving by, saw a full parking lot, and decided, “Huh, maybe I should see what’s going on in there.” Others, and I’ve met plenty, woke up in desperation and fear—and it took every ounce of courage they could muster to step foot into a church when “church” meant nothing to them but pain and betrayal. Looking into the eyes of those walking by, I see the buttoned-up and tattooed-up. Clean-shaven suits and long-haired flip-flop-wearing dudes. Saved-at-VBS long-timers and saved-last-night off-the-street newbies. The shy, the bold, the very young, and very old. 

Mostly, I like to think of our church body like the Island of Misfit Toys, from that 1964 stop-motion Christmas classic, “Rudolf and Red-Nosed Reindeer.” I mean, every row isn’t lined with perfect Barbies with painted-on smiles or cowboys with flawlessly stitched garb. There are some, for sure. But our chairs hold mostly Charlies-in-the-Box, spotted elephants, birds that swim, winged bears, and square-wheeled trains. 

It’s stunning when you think about it—there’s no reason in the world for us all to be gathered in one place. But God. Jesus is the reason we’re knitted together—the broken, the misfits, the normies, and the seemingly flawless. And that’s exactly what He promised and why He came!

All we have to do is look to God’s promises in Genesis to Adam and Abraham, through the Psalms and the Prophets, to the Apostolic letters, to the words of Jesus Himself and to His Revelation. Reconciliation with God is for all and only possible through the Lamb of God—Jesus. And through His death and resurrection, we are not only reconciled to God but also to one another. Jesus invites ALL people to go from darkness to light, from lost to found, from death to life. And once the gift of Jesus is accepted by grace alone through faith alone, believers become one in Christ. 

In John’s gospel (chapter 17), Jesus is very clear that His followers are called to be unified SO THAT the world will believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our oneness reflects the glory of God and the unity of the Trinity. This “perfection in unity” shows the world that the impossible unity of misfit, unalike, imperfect people is possible through Christ. The world would have us hating each other. But through God’s love and by the saving grace of Jesus, we love one another. 

So, beloved, look through fresh eyes as you hustle through last-second Christmas shopping, drive through crowded parking lots, and join work and family parties. The family of God is like the Island of Misfit Toys. And everyone you come into contact with could be either a current member of your Island family—or a potential one. During this season where we celebrate Emmanuel—God with us—and once the decorations are all put away, let’s walk in unity and the love of Christ so that the world filled with all us misfits may know Him.

Lord, may I never cease to be in awe of the diversity of Your children and how it is only through Jesus that we are a unified family of broken-to-beautiful people.

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds…The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 

~Luke 2:15-18; 20

Don’t you love reading the second chapter of Luke’s gospel? Particularly on Christmas morning—especially when it’s carefully sounded out through the mouth of an excited jammie-clad child, hot cocoa in hand. (It also makes me think of that beautiful soliloquy of Linus, but that’s another story.)

Something new and interesting struck me this year in meditating on these events—which is what the Living Word does, am I right? The Lord sent His mighty, bright, glorious angels to a group of shepherd boys to declare the Gospel for the very first time in the earthly ministry of Jesus. He was maybe just hours old when the angel told them that a Savior, Christ the Lord (God Himself) was born. Then they experienced a heavenly concert of a multitude of angels singing of the glory of it all. 

The Bible then says, once they heard the Good News, the hurried to see for themselves. But then I noticed for the first time in verses 17-18 that they told others—to which the response of those people was wonderment. Makes me wonder: Who’d they tell? Did they believe those excited, smelly kids? Did those people go see for themselves the manger holding the King of kings? We don’t know. We’re just told the shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God. 

Lesson one: Once we hear the Good News, we need to discover and accept it for ourselves. Lesson two: Tell others what you know, what you’ve seen, and how meeting Jesus has impacted you. Lesson three: Walk in awe and wonder of Jesus. No matter how tedious, stressful, or exhausting the day of work or parenting might be, glorify and praise God in all of it.

But what’s the rest of the story for these boys? See, as we learn in Matthew 2, when the magi came from the East to worship Jesus, they stopped by to let Herod know what was happening: a King was born in Bethlehem. Herod was not a good guy and certainly didn’t want to be unseated as king. Because some time had gone by since Jesus’ birth (likely over a year), Herod had all boys in Bethlehem “and all its vicinity” under two years old killed. Let that terror sink in for a minute. The entire town—including the surrounding hills where the sheep grazed under the watch of shepherds—was no doubt in absolute horror and grief. We don’t have any idea if the townspeople knew why Herod did this. But we can speculate that there were a few guys that knew exactly what was going on—they’d seen King Jesus. What was the shepherds’ reaction to this evil response to Jesus? Did they keep their mouths shut? Did it motivate then to stand firm in their knowledge and belief in the Savior, and maybe even share this hope with a grieving town? 

So, another lesson for us is one based on totally unknown information and simply begs some questions that must be asked of every believer: When persecution comes—because it will—what will we do? Will we hide in our basements and keep quiet about the glorious Gospel that has changed our lives? Or will we stand courageously against the evil coming against us, no matter the consequences? 

Times are dark. Evil is escalating. More Christians around the world are being persecuted and murdered right now than in any other time in history. Currently, it’s still safe in our country to be a follower of Christ…but how bold are we right now to share the Gospel, when it won’t cost our lives? Sweet friend, let’s put our courage muscles to work, starting now, to grow in strength and endurance for when the burden gets heavier. Let’s look upon those shepherds at the first Christmas, and be inspired by their hurrying after Jesus, their awe and wonder, and their praise and glory of Him. And let’s boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, to those around us—despite the cost.

Lord, You are Lord of lords, King of kings. May I be bold today—and tomorrow—to tell others of the salvation found only in You. May my words and actions give You glory, no matter the expense.

On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 

~John 16:26-27

What is it to “ask in Jesus’ name”? Do we use it as a tack-on at the end of our prayers like magic words sure to elevate our requests? Are we imagining Jesus standing between us and the Father, catching our requests, filtering them, and then giving God the Father only the prayers that pass His muster? Maybe we think our prayers “don’t really count” without praying in His name. So, what does Jesus mean when He tells His disciples (and us) to ask in His name?

In reading John’s gospel, through chapters 15 and 16, it’s like multiple one-two punches to the gut. Jesus very directly—and undeniably—tells His disciples about His identity as God and His relationship with the Father, His love for them (and us), how they need to love each other, and how the world will hate them (and us) because of Jesus. He also promises the Holy Spirit to empower them (and us) for this love, endurance, and truth-knowing. And even though His disciples will not really grasp His clear forecast, Jesus tells them of His imminent death and resurrection. All of these spiritual lessons set the stage for His prayer promises for His followers.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you” (John 16:23). And again in verses 26-27, “On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

Beloved, we can hardly grasp the astonishing glory of this! No longer do followers of God need to bring sacrifices to the temple—Jesus made the last sacrifice on our behalf, taking on the punishment and wrath we deserve. Because of what Jesus has accomplished, He made a way for us to go directly to the Throne room of God with our needs and requests (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus is indeed our intercessor, our High Priest, and the reason why we can go to the Father…but He is also clear in these verses that because of His death and resurrection, the chasm between humanity and the Father has been bridged! “The Father Himself loves you (and me) because (we) have loved (Jesus)!” Amazing!

What does it mean to pray in the precious name of Jesus? First, we’re able to come to God on the basis of His merit—not our own. No bloody lambs or doves to make an acceptable aroma. The blood of Jesus now and forever suffices. Also, despite the chasm between God and Man, forged shortly after Creation by our first parents, Adam and Eve, perfect reconciliation has been accomplished through the righteousness of Jesus—nothing we could ever earn or achieve. We’re able to go to God only because of (the name of) Jesus. Finally, by praying in the name of Jesus, we are also asking for the perfect will of God. In other words, we ask for what would honor and glorify Jesus. This must frame every request—as it did for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Think about it this way, when you make a donation “in honor of” someone, you’re donating “in his/her name” to lift up that person. So, to pray “in Jesus’ name” is to pray in “in honor of” our Lord…which logically begs us to assess our prayers with our own spiritual filter: Does this prayer, if answered the way we want, honor Jesus? And do we grasp that however God answers us, even if it’s not what we thought best, that every answer in His will is for our best—and His glory?

Lord, thank You for making a way of reconciliation with God the Father. Thank You for being our High Priest and Intercessor…and also that we get to stand in the very presence of our Father because of You made a way.

Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

~Psalm 86:1-4

Don’t you just love the Psalms? These writings pretty much have it all covered—every emotion, lament, pain…worship and praise for who God is…wisdom and instruction as to how to be in God’s will…and even a bit of “go-get-‘em-God” sentiment (imprecatory Psalms). When we’re wrestling with life (that is, ALL of us, pretty much ALL the time), then diving deep into the Psalms is like cool water for the soul. In fact, the very first Psalm starts off with the exhortation that to stand firm and be wise in the craziness of this wicked world, we must stay in God’s Word!

It’s the Psalms written by David that are really encouraging to me. No matter where David starts (soul-wrenching agony, anger, questioning God…), he tends to end up in the same place: worshipping the Lord for His goodness, graciousness, and glory. That’s why, in the midst of our needs (life-altering mountainous ones or daily knocking ones), Psalm 86 is a wonderful go-to. In summary, the basic flow is:

“Are You listening, Lord? Help me!  I am Yours, and I know I can trust You! All day I cry to You—I’m so sad…please restore my joy! I know You’re good, Lord—so kind to Your people. So, please hear me—I’m in trouble! I know You’ll answer me. I’m not sure how or when…but it WILL be for Your glory. You’re God. (I’m not.) Show me Your way in this—that’s all I want! Your will! You rescued me, and I’m so thankful. Help me! Be gracious and strengthen me in this. You’ve been faithful to me before, please do it again. Show Yourself mighty.”

Really, it’s the “I believe, help my unbelief” format of Mark 9:23-24, with a similar paradoxical prayer of “I trust You to help me—help me trust You.” And it’s such a glorious structure for our cries to the Lord. So, as you (and I) start to feel that panic of pain, fear, trouble rising to the surface, here are four steps, per Psalm 86, to lift our needs—and our soul—to the Lord.

1. Tell the Lord your specific trouble. Yes, He knows—of course—but He wants to hear your cry. (“Protect me” or “Heal me” or “Rescue me”…)
2. Remember who God is. Rehearse His patience, kindness, grace, love. Remind yourself that His will is perfect, His timing is perfect, and all things will be for our good—and most importantly, for His glory.
3. Ask Him to change you—to strengthen you, gladden your heart, make you more like Him. To show you reasons to rejoice even in the pain. 
4. Remind yourself of the truth of your rescue from darkness and death! You have the hope of heaven. You’ve been redeemed and will be glorified. (This life is a blink in the scheme of eternity…and this world is not our Home.)

“Lord, You are so good, and Your lovingkindness is beyond our comprehension. As I cry out to You (in anger, pain, fear), hear me, strengthen me, and remind me that You are God—and You’ve got this.”

And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He gave us.

~1 John 3:24

“Passive-aggressive.” No one likes this descriptor that points to a person who indirectly resists the requests or demands of others (often through snide remarks) for the purpose of avoiding confrontation. In reading 1 John, however, this term came to mind in a completely spiritually reframed way…actually making this a moniker for the mind-blowing, ungraspable, human-vexing mysteries of salvation and sanctification. Buckle up—and get ready for some serious Bible page turning!

Not to dive into millennia-old theological arguments of election versus free will, but the Bible is pretty clear on the God-given words of its writers—and they denote a mystery too big for our puny minds: God chooses us in His Sovereignty—salvation is a gift of grace (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-6; …and we must choose Him—we have responsibility to believe in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God (John 1:12; John 6:37-44). (But even this faith to believe in Him is a gift from God…I know! It’s beyond our grasp!) My point here? Salvation is “passive-aggressive” reframed! It’s “passive” in that it is a gift of God that He initiates, AND it’s “aggressive” in terms of we must take action to believe and receive.

Then there is our sanctification—our walk with the Lord to become more and more like Jesus until we are fully glorified with Him in heaven. Upon our salvation, we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), BUT we’re still walking around in our fallen flesh, in a broken world, battling against our mortal enemy, Satan. So, we spend our lives being conformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). How do we do that? Again, God’s Word is clear: this, too, is a passive-aggressive process. Beloved, the Lord holds us, so salvation is sure. And we persevere in obedience to the Lord and His Word. We put on the things of Christ and take off the things of this world. We live fruity lives. AND we can only live this way, do these things, and live according to the fruit of the Spirit BECAUSE of the power of Him living in us! Our sanctification journey through the world is God’s doing (“passivity” on our part): Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. AND it is our responsibility to take action (“aggressively” in our dark world!): (Romans 12; Colossians 3:5-17; Ephesians 4; Philippians 3:12-14). The Holy Spirit lives in us at the moment of salvation, so He abides in us permanently (Galatians 2:20)…AND we are called to actively abide in Him (John 15:4).

Beloved, the Christian life is somewhat of a mystery, isn’t it? This passive-aggressive nature of it all. We are saved by grace through faith—it’s a gift. And we must actively accept said gift, this pardon that rescues us from the wrath of God. The Holy Spirit lives in us to empower our new life. And we must yield to Him daily (moment by moment). We can’t understand it all. But we can trust God’s Sovereignty in it! 

Lord, may I simply trust You and obey. And may I recognize that I cannot possibly trust or obey without You and the power of the Holy Spirit living in me.