From not Toward

Our Sunday School teacher asked our class whether we "felt" married when we first wed. He then told us that even if we didn't feel married, the reality was that we were married and thus we work from that reality and no longer toward it as we did when we were but engaged. He proceeded to tell us that this is true in our walk with the Lord as well. Scripture often speaks in the past tense when relating our relationship with God. Saved, redeemed, the old has passed away. Once His initial work of redemption has taken place in our hearts and we are "born again" or "saved", then we aren't walking toward this state of salvation, but His salvation becomes the source from which we walk.

From, not toward.... No longer reaching, but walking in the reality of this truth. And oh how I need to understand this reality. I seem to be in a constant state of striving. I may grasp and believe in God's love for me, but I'm certain I don't understand it as it really is because I still find myself working to keep it.

The same is true with human relationships. Even in marriage, when I know without a doubt that R. loves me intensely, I still live as though his love is dependent upon my behavior. Living as if I could lose his love if I "mess up" enough. Living in fear.....

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John) Oh to submit my heart to this reality and to know this truth in all its fullness. To grasp God's heart toward me and the depth of His great love. Jesus, here is my heart.