While walking recently, I saw God reach into my chest and pull out my heart. When it came out it was on fire. I have a heart on fire. On fire with the Holy Spirit. A fire that nothing and nobody can quench. I feel a holy fire burning within me. I feel the truth burning within me. Justice. All things righteous.
As I observe so much injustice in my life and the world, I feel like I’m on fire all the time.
What do I do with this burning? How do I manage it properly?
Certainly not by lashing out at others. Absolutely not by throwing a fit and flailing around. That’s all counterproductive and not at all like Jesus.
So, what does Jesus think about such things? Well, as I read of His walk, I noticed a couple of things…
Jesus never wavered. When faced with accusations and lies, He simply stood firm and didn’t become faint. He stood. He didn’t force or fight, He stood.
Jesus always went away to pray. He made regular practice of getting away from others so He could spend time talking to and listening to God.
Jesus knew Who He was, so it didn’t matter who He was around. He wasn’t afraid of the leper or the prostitute. He didn’t fear the faithless or the tax collector. He knew His identity so others couldn’t influence Him or make Him feel anything less than powerful. He had a solid identity that was grounded and rooted in God alone. He knew Whose image He was made in. He knew Who He was and where He was going (heaven).
I certainly want to be like this image of Jesus.
Power held in truth is a quiet and gentle strength. It moves mountains and can shape futures, all with a whisper. The voice of God over our lives isn’t condescending. It’s not demanding. It’s Fatherly. It comforts and encourages. It brings joy and peace. It builds, even when it’s renovating. It fashions us into more solid individuals.
Prayer Moment: God, thank You for giving us Jesus. Thank You Jesus for coming to earth to not only build a bridge between us and heaven, but to also show us how to walk out this life. Help me to cling to Your example. Help me to walk in a way that honors Your sacrifice. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue. Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before You. Each man’s life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:2-7
365 Days in the Presence 