When
people focus on Paul's lament in Romans chapter seven to the exclusion of the
other verses around that chapter, I am so sad for them. They find an excuse in
chapter seven for their sinful penchants, and they cling to it, limiting the
fullness of their relationship with God.
However,
if we read that chapter in context with Romans chapters six and eight, we
realize that Paul was not making a doctrine out of chapter seven, but simply
lamenting that he was not yet walking in the fullness of what authentic
Believers enjoy as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
We
are not hopeless sinners, doomed to fail; but victorious Saints bought by the
blood of Jesus and co-heirs with Him of the Kingdom of God (Romans 8:17). Romans
six and eight open our eyes to the availability of an amazing, fulfilled life
that is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3-4).
When
we attempt to squeeze life into our mold for it, issues inevitably slip out of
our control. At times, we feel like we are drowning in overwhelming
tribulation, until we change our focus from the issues, and squarely center it on
the Lord (Isaiah 26:3).
God
grants His adopted children every right and privilege that He gave His only
begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The entire Godhead dwells within each and every Believer,
and He is all we need to survive and to thrive in this world.
We
are more than conquerors over every trial and circumstance (Romans 8:31-39),
because Christ abides within us (Colossians 1:27). Our carnal, human wants and
desires no longer hold much meaning for us, when we trade them for God's
perfect plans for our life.
Prayer:
Father
God, You work in us and through us to bring about Your will for us, and in
those whom You bring into our life. Jesus is the answer to all of our questions,
and He resolves all of our problems in Your timing and way. This gives us
confidence to totally trust in You (Micah 7:5). We love how You work on our
behalf at the same time that you simultaneous glorify Yourself through our life
(Isaiah 43:7).
We
no longer seek our own agenda, make lists of our earthly desires in our
prayers, or use You as our Aladdin's lamp. We decrease more and more, so that
You can increase in our life. You are our focus, and furthering Your Kingdom is
our daily goal. We cherish You for who You are, Your intimate presence in our
life, and we praise You with every breath we take.
Thought
for the Day:
Unity
with our Creator God is the most fulfilling relationship in this world, and He
is our portion of our inheritance as authentic Believers; we immerse our self
in His grace, we rely on His mercy, and daily we seek His face - He is all we
need.
-
Psalm 42:1-2
