What Jesus Taught Me
Psalms 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Happy New Year!
As I reflect on the things I'm thankful for, and recount all of the amazing things that have happened this past year in my life, it all comes back to me looking up and thanking Jesus. There is not a single thing that I've done by my own strength. There is not a single blessing that came from my own works. I don't believe that anything happens by chance. I do believe that our God is the author of my life. He is good, kind, loving, and merciful. He is present and faithful even when I am not. And wow, He taught me so many things in 2023 that I am excited to share. So here we go.
He knows my heart, and understands what I am going through.
Our God loves us so much that he sent his son Jesus to earth as a baby in a manger to soon save the entire world. Jesus didn't come into the world as some rich, arrogant prince. He humbled Himself to the point of having to rely on a lowly girl from Nazareth to care for Him as a baby. He went through suffering and pain just like us. He went through betrayal, anxiety, depression, fear, and anger. He's not a cold or distant God. He knows exactly what we’re going through because He was human and fully feeling the emotions we feel. What a loving God to be able to empathize with sinners like us.
1 John 4:18-19
I don’t have to strive for perfection.
God doesn’t ask us to be perfect. In fact, He died on the cross for us knowing that perfection is impossible for us. We have a loving and forgiving God who is merciful. Through Him, anything is possible, but on my own, I will fail. Sometimes it's really hard to include God in all we do but I notice that in the times I lean on my own strength, or try to take things into my own hands, I end up feeling tired and full of doubt.
Of course we should all try to be more like Jesus, but looking to be perfect will leave you disappointed every time. God delights in who I am now. He loves me as I am, and wants to help me. He calls us His children knowing us fully, and still calling us to be with Him. He knows the darkest parts of my heart, and still loves me. Our good works do not get us into heaven. Faith in Jesus does.
God wants us to be in relationship with Him
God wants us to see Him as a friend and a father. The Almighty God wants a relationship with you! How cool is that?
Friendships are not transactional.
For years I would pray to God to take away my anxiety that I have struggled with on-and-off since I was a young girl. I always believed in God, but this was my only interaction with Him. I didn't really care to take the time to read the Bible, or pray consistently. I didn’t hear from Him, and felt my prayers were being unanswered or that He refused to listen to me.
What I’ve come to realize is that God was always there and listening. I believe silence from God is an invitation to press forward and seek him even more diligently. I also have to remind myself that this does not mean he is punishing me. He wants to help me, but He does not want us to use Him only for our own personal gain.
His plans are always better than mine
God has surprised me a lot this last year. I never in a million years would've imagined going so long without a panic attack or even general anxiety. I never imagined I'd have the job I have now and the opportunities that are in front of me. I never believed I could have such fulfilling friendships that aren't draining, or envious. I never thought I would be living in such a beautiful state with my wonderful boyfriend and family. I really owe it all to God. He knows exactly what I need long before I do. He always provides, and never fails me. The creator of the universe holds me in his hands. I've learned to trust God completely and let go of my own selfish desire to control.
And finally, here are some verses that I find myself re-reading a lot lately:
Psalm 34:4-7
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him
Isaiah 30:18
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.
A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Have a wonderful New Year!
