Look what He's done in me...

Look what He's done....

Yesterday was a lot of preparation in order to host a celebration of what God's done in the last year.  As I reflected after with a few close friends, the process of surrendering unfolded.  What happened in the last year or so that brought us to this spiritual and physical mountain?  

Immersing myself in the Word

Surrounding myself with influential "saints" (my spiritual family, books and podcasts).  

Believing that I am called, healed, whole.  (even when....)

Believing Christ in me makes me complete.

Self-discipline: recognizing God must be my priority, and I am second.

There's a lot to unpack in all of those things.  And God is still working on me.  

Psalm 119:165-7 has become truth: 

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing came make them stumble.  

I wait for your salvation, O Lord, and I follow your commands. 

 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.  

I obey your precepts and your statues for all my ways are known to you.  

May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word.  

May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to Your promise.  

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.  

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.  

May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.  

I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.  

Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me."

It is such a different way of grasping life when it is laid down, submitted.  This morning, for example, I could have justified sleeping in and skipping my time with the Lord... yesterday was a lot of testifying and praising and today would be "church".... surely that is enough submission to Got to justify sleeping in....  and we were up late.... But!  No way am I skipping this time with the Lord!  He is where my help comes from!!!  Oh my goodness.  I used to say," Oh Lord, where does my help come from?" and get so angry at my husband (in my head, which would come out in some way).  Now, I know where my help comes from.  My hubby is not much changed (I'm sure God is working in him too as he is also in the Word, and now that he has less chatter from me he can hear God), but my focus has changed: I recognize I must, must, must see God as my source and go to Him for my direction and filling.  He is my fuel, no matter how little sleep I've gotten or whether I'm physically running on empty.  

He will give me rest: the difference is realizing I can give Him control and take a break, but if I prioritize that break over Him, I will have no rest.  

"Throughout the book of Exodus God had been progressively revealing himself to Moses: once in a burning bush, once in a mysterious appearance be said a rock, once in a trembling mountain, and often in a cloud-covered Tent of Meeting.  Gods presence caused such fear and awe that the people of Israel begged that He not speak to them directly (Exodus 20"19).  When Moses had come down from Mount Sinai after meeting with God, he flowed as if radioactive, and everyone was too frightened to go near him (Exodus 34:30).  

Yet, On the day the Tabernacle was completed, this same God moved in.  His glory filled the new tabernacle.  God took up residence with His people." (NIV Student Bible, pg 120)

It takes meeting with God.  Consistent, and spontaneous.  Not caring what people of this world may think or say.  Prioritizing what God says over and over, and insisting on meeting with Him.  Moses, David, Jesus, Paul... they kept returning to God.  If you want life change, you must lay down your life and take up His Word.  Ask Holy Spirit how to apply it to your life, and start walking.  Whatever He says, do it.  Practice over and over "yes God" living.