The ReturnSample

The Life We Chase

Once we perceive and acknowledge God’s love, security takes hold of our hearts. Identity, settled. We are His beloved ones. Our old perceptions pass away. Our old judgments give way to a special kind of heavenly rejoicing in all those we see and encounter in this life. Our hearts move from withholding love from others—from judging others—to viewing everyone as God’s unique gift to this world.                                                      

Is God real? Does He care? Will He bring justice? Is He merciful? Is He kind? Is He all-powerful? All-knowing? All-good?

I believe the shortest and most profound answer to all these questions is yes.

Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) The Bible also shows us our understanding is insufficient: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Prov. 14:12)

Our ability to judge righteously is severely limited. 

Human perspective is limited, but our human faith is not. We can choose to trust. From a place of pain, trust is miraculous. Humans are meant to be miraculous in the face of the fallen nature. I want to be a miraculous human, in light of the miraculous human Jesus modeled for humanity.

What if everything we thought was wrong in the world was actually God honoring our freedom? And even when we break the world and each other with our freedom, He touches us in spite of ourselves and shows a holy mercy—writing morals to every story, covering our recklessness with sober purpose.

Like a master painter who knows how to turn it all into beauty, but waits on our invitation.

And for those left in the lurch, impacted by the violence of death and darkness and rebellion? He notices these disregarded ones with deep compassion. He turns the invisible into His most profound messengers to the world. He prophesies through them about how light illuminates darkness. They shine to us as a holy kindness meant to lead us all to repentance—to turn us from complacency to responsibility. From death-seeking and death-bringing to life-chasing and life-giving.

Where is God’s freedom living abundantly in your life? Have your personal choices distorted the freedom God wants your life to display?