Every now and then, I'll get this sense that there's something between me and God, blocking me from hearing Him or being right in my standing before Him. I would describe it kind of like a thin veil between us, blurring my vision in a spiritual way, or a hardening of my heart that I ignore. I learned from my friend Eli Stewart that there's a difference between guilt and conviction--guilt is not from the Lord. Conviction is from the Lord--and with conviction, there is always a step to take forward in your relationship with God. With guilt there is only condemnation (brought on by yourself or someone outside of yourself.) From Romans 8 we know without any doubt that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
My friend and I have both been thinking on God's mercy for the past 2 weeks, and decided we would take notes on what the Lord was showing us and then share next time we meet. I constantly remember Lamentations 3 which says His mercy is new each morning. I also have been thinking lately how we daily take the cross of Christ for granted. (Oh, how could we forget the cross of Christ?!) The night before He took up His cross, Jesus told his disciples to remember His body broken and blood shed for them every time they ate. It's not a ritual of prayer He called us to--but a call to remembrance of His merciful sacrifice. He willingly offered His life.
When Christ breathed His last, the Jewish temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom, symbolizing the perfect Atonement of Jesus. We get to be friends with God again. That's the Gospel--the Good News. 2000 years ago, the veil that separated the Jews from God's presence in the Holy of Holies was torn in two because righteousness and peace kissed on the cross of Christ. Mercy and truth met together there.
Truly, His mercy is new each morning. So, if there is ever a fogginess, a hardness of heart, or an unsettling, it is not for lack of action on Christ's part. The literal veil made by the Jews in obedience to God was gigantic--it was dozens of feet wide & high, and a handful of inches thick. Horses could not have pulled it apart. But the final breath of Jesus stuttered the rocks and blew a rip which tore the curtain from top to bottom--no thread left together. If we see a veil between us now, it is surely there by our own doing. The Lord wants to be sought, found, seen, and known. Is there pride in your attitude about a thing? Tell God and ask Him for help. He who holds the earth in motion knows the unconfessed pride in your heart. So tell Him. Surely He loves you. Surely the pure Lamb of God, who did not deserve the cross, loves you through and through. Do not try to fix yourself before coming to Him. Take courage and repent of the recurring sin issue. He helps those willing to be helped. Do not pray this way in passing only--take to your knees. Let yourself be truly humble and honest before the Lord. This is the only way to know you are not taking the cross for granted. When you have given Him your sins, a peaceful confidence will come over you... Take heart! His love for you never fails. He will never leave you nor forsake you. His plans for you are greater than your own.
His love compels Him.
Now let us allow His love to compel us.
Let us be fearful of sin and zealous with love, full of the joy we find in His presence.
[Isaiah 61:1-3]
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
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