Anticipation...

Today’s Devotional - April 11, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

In this place of anticipation and contemplation, I’ve been drawn back to Psalm 40 more than once. This Psalm speaks to this unique moment. 

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” - Psalm 40:1-4 (ESV) 

I don’t know about you, but I know what it feels like to be in a pit. Pride would drive us to insist that we can get out on our own, that being in a pit isn’t really a problem, or that there is no pit at all. Jesus is still in the business of pulling lost souls out of pits. Whether you’re alone in your pit, or have company, you don’t have to remain stuck.

Fear. Bitterness. Lust. Addiction. Past Wounds. These can all become such familiar enemies they can almost feel like friends. Shame and fear of more shame can lead you to protect & hide the very thing that is robbing you (and those who love you), of real peace and joy. 

The first step in receiving Amazing Grace is recognizing that you need it. You need to amazing grace because you’re in an amazing mess and are terrified at the amazing amount of judgment you expect to be subjected to if you come clean. Ironically, that’s exactly the tactic of the devil to keep you from Jesus. To keep you from freedom. The Jesus followers I know are generally very ready to share the grace they themselves have received. Our God chose humility at the cross. All of us are invited to do the same. 

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - James 4:6 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purity your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. - James 4:10

Tomorrow… we remember Christ’s victory over sin and death. 

Today’s Song: Amazing Grace - As performed by Celtic Woman

This song is at once the most humble message a saved sinner can utter… it stirs deep emotion to have it lifted as an anthem of the masses. In the beginning and the end, Amazing Grace speaks of tender intimacy and kindness shown to us who cannot claim His kindness by any right of our own. 

Lyrics in this arrangement of Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

T'was blind but now I see

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear

And Grace, my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares

We have already come.

T'was grace that brought us safe thus far

And grace will lead us home,

And grace will lead us home

Amazing grace, How Sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now am found

T'was blind but now I see

Was blind, but now I see.