Oswald Chambers talks about self-consciousness versus Christ-consciousness in his book “My Utmost for His Highest” published in 1935. Nothing could be more relevant for today’s Christian navigating his/her way in today’s world.

As we struggle to thrive in the midst of all the demands of our lives the only compass that we can trust to get us through everything is Jesus Christ. When we stress out we are self-centered, self-conscious. When we bring our worries to Jesus our burdens are lifted off of our shoulders. When we are worry-free we are Christ-centered, Christ-conscious.

Return, O my soul, to your rest,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
I walk before the Lord in the land of living.
(Psalm 116:7-9)

Sometimes it feels that faith is all about surrendering and surrendering. Faith sure is about lying down our walls, our worries, our egos, our sins, our self-centered way of life over and over again while trusting that God will take care of us and we can walk in the land of living.

God wants us to live in harmony with Christ. It is our responsibility to bring everything and anything that disintegrates that harmony to Him so he can switch our minds back to Christ-consciousness again. We are to rest and live in Him completely. Then we can reflect God’s love to the world.

Peace I live with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

When our worries are lifted off it is such an amazing experience. Whether the worries are huge or small the effect is the same. We are left in awe because we have been touched by the Holy Fire. Experiencing God in action makes us indeed humble.

 

 

Gracious God,
Help us to remember that you always love to hear from us.
Help us to believe that you really want to receive our burdens.
Help us to keep on surrendering to you.
Take away everything that keeps us from resting in you.
Take away everything that disintegrates us from living in harmony with you.
Thank you for your love, your grace, your peace.
Help us to love others as you love us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How have you experienced God in action?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you are experiencing God in action!

Photo  courtesy of Adam Howie

Parts of this post have previously been published 9-29-2009