I have to confess, today this devotional is something I really just need to write for myself. Of course, my prayer is that you may find encouragement, resonance or divine revelation as the Spirit moves through these humble words…but I just need to be upfront about where it’s coming from. Because we are family, right?
These last few weeks I have found myself feeling distanced from the Father. I’ve heard his gentle whispers, and found myself turning instead to the senseless noise of the busyness around me. I’ve caught glimpses of his goodness and hope, yet chose to remain in the somewhat satisfying despair of more bad news and disappointments that the world offers.
Living in my little corner of self-pity and exhaustion has not produced a wealth of inspiration to draw from in writing a devotional blog. But it does allow me to be honest and to expose a season of struggle. On top of that, by forcing myself to sit down and take inventory of how I’ve spent my time and where I have let my thoughts wander as of late, I can call that out and invite the Spirit to come in and renew, transform, and refresh.
So thank you, for (likely unknowingly) functioning as my plumb line of accountability. Thank you for functioning as the Church: a space for people who are broken to come find God’s healing in form of connection and relationship. Brené Brown, a favorite author of mine and familiar to many in the City Salt clan, describes this so beautifully: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” And we know that the Church is meant to be the ideal environment to practice vulnerability, as we come together to kneel before the Cross.
My prayer and hope is that my confession and transparency may not simply function as a story about me. May you be reminded that the divulging of our struggles and burdens is what allows us to find others who have an extra hand to help us carry them to the feet of Jesus. May you reflect in gratitude on the beauty of being a part of a body that breeds connection and safety. And may you find healing and sweet grace when bring yourself back to the faithful forgiveness of our Lord.
Hebrews 10:19-25 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”