When I was growing up, I went to a religious retreat of sorts called Chrysalis. Those of you who grew up in the same area will know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a three-day experience where you are disconnected from technology and family and you spend your time focusing on Bible study, self-reflection and deepening your relationship with God. There’s incredible music and interactive faith-building experiences, as well as a staff of people committed to Christ that are there to serve you with agape love and ensure you have a great weekend. At the end, when your family comes back to pick you up, you get a bundle of letters written to you by your family and friends, giving you encouragement and love and support for the journey you just took. You also get a cross necklace inscribed with the words “Christ is counting on you.” A team of people have been praying over the cross and praying over you during your entire time at Chrysalis, and when you receive it you say, “And I am counting on Christ.”
The concept of the reciprocal relationship between us and Christ is also reflected in the chorus of the song “Oceans” by Hillsong United, which says “For I am Yours and You are Mine.” Both the verse in the song and the cross from Chrysalis speak to one thing: it is a two-way street between us and God. We are His children, but He is also our Father. As much as He asks us to surrender our lives to him, to live for His glorification and His honor, we also have the Creator of the Universe on our side. That’s so cool! Think about it. He isn’t just asking us to submit to Him and follow all these rules and live our lives in a totally different way for no reason at all. He’s saying, “look, I’m here to provide you with comfort and hope. Call on me and I’ll be there! As much as I am counting on you, my good and faithful servant, I know you are counting on me too.” How else is it, really, that we are supposed to be able to fulfill God’s commandments and live according to His will if not for us leaning on Him and depending on the Holy Spirit living inside of us to guide us?
Think about those words slowly. Part 1: I am Yours. Okay, got it. I live for God. I belong to Him. He is counting on me to shine a light for Him in the world, to be His hands and feet. Part 2: You are mine. God is OURS! Let that sink in for a minute. When we need Him, all we have to do is call out to Him and He is there. When you are feeling hopeless, or challenged, or depleted, think about the fact that GOD IS YOURS and allow that to give you strength and power. The God that created the whole entire world belongs to you as much as you belong to Him. You can depend on Him, you can count on Him, and you can trust that He will be there.
It’s something that is unique about the Christian faith: the opportunity for a deep, personal relationship with God. I ask you today to challenge yourself to focus on that relationship, and remember that it is a two-way street between you and God. He may ask of you, to give your life to Him, to live separate from the ways of the world, but guess what? You are getting so much in return too. I mean, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is pretty great. And then you get to have a daily, ongoing relationship with Him too? Wow. Don’t take it for granted. Relish in it. Rely on it. Allow it to give you strength when you need it, and joy in the everyday.
“… Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God… Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.”
Isaiah 43:1-5
all my love, ki
