resilience | lent devotions

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10 NIV

If everyone in the UK was born again right now in this minute it would be amazing but there would still be problems, still issues to be resolved, habits to be changed, mindsets to be altered, relationships to be restored. We know that from our own lives, don’t we? We say ‘yes’ to Jesus and some things are fixed instantly: we move from darkness to light, sin to salvation, from being enemies of God to being his friends, sons, daughters, priests, co-heirs with Christ, victors, rulers...

But the focus of God is never just salvation. Salvation is the crucial first step; you can’t become everything God created you to be without accepting that Jesus died on the cross for you. But God’s focus goes beyond salvation. He wants to establish such a resilient devotion for him in the middle of you, such a desire to be with him, such a joy in experiencing his love that it transforms you from the inside and ensures everything you are speaks of him.

Because God knows if you live in a way that is utterly devoted to him you can create a longing for him in the hearts of other people. Not a longing to be like you. Not even a longing for the relationship you have with God. But a longing for God himself. 

Let’s pray
This is an old worship song by Laurie Klein. If you know it, sing it. If you don’t know it, just pray it: I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you. Oh, my soul, rejoice! Take joy my King in what you hear. Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. Amen.

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