This is my life message. From a very early age, I cried out for purpose and significance. These questions, “Am I of value to anyone? What do I have to give that will make a difference?” rang in my head so often. And from an early age, I heard the whispers of Jesus saying, “You are of great worth to me.” This is the simple comforting message of the one who knows me best.

Yet, his voice so often gets drowned out. So much noise. So much to do. So much data to be confronted with. What I see, hear, touch, taste, and smell has a great influence. Day to day, who do I decide reigns in my life? Self or Jesus?

My greatest joy and peace are found in surrender to the good Jesus has for me. The beauty of being a true son has been what I have come (slowly) to accept from his loving whispers. My sin nature is dead and has been for many years, but my mind and heart were first taught and embraced life from the world around me. That sin nature commands that I am god and I only need to serve myself. I learned from the world to clutch onto self-exaltation and self-preservation. That always leads to fear and / or misery.

In contrast, it is Jesus’ whispers that have allowed me to recognize that the lies of the world lead only to misery and separation. The Great Paradox though, is that Jesus’ sacrificial death resulted in conquering life. Likewise, my dying to self results in my overcoming all in Jesus’ life. There is beauty in surrender (death) to come to know true freedom as a son (life).

May the Lord speak truth in my writing as I walk with him each day. My words will declare the freedom that he’s brought me into.