Choosing God

Jed wrote recently that he was taught once that we need to be "taught rarely and reminded often". Today I was reminded of something that I have a feeling God's been reminding me of my whole life long.

You know, it really doesn't matter so much what my Christian life looked like a year or two ago if I have forgotten how to choose Him now, today... Because, in the end, every good thing that has ever happened in me is Him. Every good thing is the result of the fingers of the Spirit gripping my heart, redirecting my mind, and teaching my hands. I can be a spiritual giant in the eyes of all around me, write a dozen books that are still in print half a century later, teach 30 years worth of students and disciples... but, still, what matters most is that every single day God is at work doing what He does, and extending the hand of invitation. I can join in or I can miss out. Every single day I get to choose whether I am going to be part of what He wants to make me part of. The glory is His alone. Always.

That's why we so often see the people we least expect showcasing the Glory of God while those we expected "that sort of thing" from walk the other way. It's about realizing that we have the chance to join in with Him- or not- every day. Staying in step with the Spirit isn't super complicated, but we do need to want it. And often it is those of us who are tempted to think that we've somehow "arrived" as followers of Jesus, that miss out. We've forgotten that it's all a gift. Everyday.

The Christian life is about the story of how far He's brought us, but its about more than that too. It's a life that is about learning to say "yes" to God in all our moments, with a willing and humble heart. I don't think that this ever goes on autopilot. I forget God more than I want to admit, even while supposedly spending my day "about His business". I forget a lot that I have to choose Him today with the same kind of heart that I chose Him with year ago. He is still God, and I am still a woman, faulty and needy. No less desprate than ever for His Spirit that indwells me. The Christian life is not about becoming a better, stronger, and more self-sufficient person, but there are days when I live like I think that is what it's about.

No.. the Christian life is fresh. It requires you to make decisions not just once, in the distant past, but now. And I'm pretty sure that's not ment to be burdensome- it's meant to give life! Now, in all the new challenges and new relationships. Now, in the seasons that seem tired and worn out. Now, in the spaces between my breathing. In this everyday normal Monday when night is falling like all the other nights that have come before it- but the Joy of it is that I get to choose Jesus tonight! Tonight is the night I get to choose the one I love! Tonight I get to live for the most important Being and purpose in the universe, and He knows me and loves me. Tonight.

I think about the joy I have when I do choose God over somthing (or someone) else.. A funny thing happens when I've had to give somthing presious up in order to follow Him- I end up giddy. There's somthing about saying "I want You more than even this." that draws a line in the dirt. It says "I'm done with holding my heart back from you in this area- you can have all of me!" It lets us love deeper and live wilder. The reality that God lets us choose Him everyday is itself a great gift.

What could this life look like if I really lived that out?