Our Heavenly Father’s Light and Love

For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judge the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him. The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, in order that his deeds may be revealed, that they are done in God.
~ John 3:16-21, LEB ~

As we journey the covenantal path of righteousness, we are sometimes overwhelmed by a feeling of how much we lack. It rises within us as a feeling of inadequacy, emptiness, or loneliness. We are in pain because we feel exposed and vulnerable. Realizing that we now need to discard our old self, our ego, and accept another way of living life. And the difference between our old self and new self is in being on this path of a mindful crucified Christian way of living. Instead of feeling lost on some diversion, as we have been in the past. It is not important how far along we are or who is ahead of whom. The important thing is that we are on the path and experiencing true spiritual growth in the process.

On this personal journey, wisdom comes with staying humble. Allowing ourselves to remain open to further direction and revelation. Learning to submit all things to our Heavenly Father. Because it is through this process and experience where the Holy Spirit shall reveal all that has caused our lives to become unmanageable and powerless.

When we truly come unto Christ. Truly commit self to Following Him – we do so with an overwhelming desire to pour out our troubles, to talk with Him. Our spirit bursts forth from the deep wellspring whereby we may find some relief of our troubles. We empty ourselves, being exposed, frail, and dissatisfied. Yet, our Savior adds to us something new. We are filled with His love. We are filled with the love of our Heavenly Father. We are filled with spiritual empowerment to do that which is good and right before Him.

The 118th Psalm reminds us, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (v. 24, KJV). Our gladness we rejoice in is that of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. It is an important part of our new life where there are countless opportunities to find encouragement. Through the Holy Spirit, seeds of joy and happiness are sown. We desire to follow Christ in faithful obedience to His teachings and commandments.

How does Christ fill us up? By exposing the old attitudes and behaviors. False hopes, past regrets, the shame and guilt we’ve carried. By revealing to us things in our lives that no longer serve any purpose. By empowering us to gain those small victories in life where we move past our old life and grow in newness of life through Him.

By making peace with our past, we know of those disappointments no longer weigh us down. Because we sincerely seek to focus our hopes and energies on the future. Through Christ, we find the ways necessary to accept the past for what it is – no matter how difficult it may be for some of us.

Yes, it is painful to be exposed and vulnerable. However, it is a necessary step in our experience and process of spiritual growth. And this step is to make peace with our past so that we are not mired in the quicksand of regret. Christ affords us an opportunity to accept what has been so that we are capable of trusting in our Heavenly Father for what will be.

Today’s Thought and Reminder

Spiritual growth begins when we are ready to allow those dark aspects of our past to be exposed to the light and love of Christ. It begins when we are ready to declare an end to all hostilities of judgment, criticisms and doubt. When we do this, we are able to turn our thoughts to the beautiful promises of our Heavenly Father. Turn our thoughts toward His Kingdom and the future He has in store for us.

Please Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section

Do you find these daily devotions helpful and inspiring? I’d love to hear your thoughts and receive feedback. What do you find helpful in today’s devotional? How does this help encourage you to live a mindful, crucified Christian life? What does it mean for you to come unto Christ and follow Him today?

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