Good morning.
You are the apple of God's eye. He says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5) He has great things in store for you. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) You do not need to face life by yourself. “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
So what keeps us from enjoying the presence of God?
Life is full of shoulds. We should do this or we should do that. They are single-minded in their attempt to pluck us out of the present moment and force us to rehearse a future filled with an endless checklist of unspoken and unrealistic expectations. Shoulds are like squatters taking up free board and lodging in our minds with the relentless ambition to always be our boss.
Should says we should do better/be better. Who we are in the present moment is not good enough. Letting “should” be the boss will never lead us to the life God longs for us to live.
God's antidote to shoulds, that seem to nag us the whole time, is love. Love is the overwhelming reality of a God's presence. So in the place of should, love offers a new pattern.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) God's love doesn't make demands. His love invites us into His presence, His embrace.
As the week draws to an end, let's enjoy the embrace of His presence.
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne
Awesome word Mike!