The lights in the sanctuary flicker as we sing in the near dark. It seems fitting because my heart feels the same way. The spark of joy has been hard to fan into flame in my life lately. I ask God for help as one of our pastors steps forward to share a message with us.
He talks with kindness, this man. Not with harsh words. Not with hidden layers of guilt between the lines. Not with an agenda to make us “be good.” No, he talks instead about grace. How it is ours all the time. And suddenly I can see clearly see why I’m so weary.
I had remembered grace was for eternity.
But I had forgotten it was also for every day.
When I get forgetful in that way I slip into old patterns. I try too hard. I do too much. I listen to the whispers of guilt and shame. What my heart needed to remember was this: Grace is not a one-time offer. Yes, we first receive it when we become believers. But it’s also a gift offered every moment after. It never runs out. Never.
“Then why don’t we just do what we want?” we might wonder. Because when we truly grasp grace what we want to do is deeply, fully love the One who is so scandalously giving it to us.
If you’re feeling weary or exhausted today, it may be that you need to embrace God’s grace all over again. You don’t have to try so hard. You don’t have to do so much. You don’t have to worry so often about how you’re measuring up.
Rest, friend. All that really needs to be done in our lives was completed when Jesus said, “It is finished” on the cross.
As we walk out of the sanctuary I realize the shadows have disappeared. I feel lit up inside again and I know this is heart-true: Grace always overcomes the darkness.
Today.
Tomorrow.
Forever.
XOXO
