His Sweet Love

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling that you get when you sip your favorite drink at Christmas time?  For some, it’s the seasonal Starbucks drink.  For me, it’s a cup of hot chocolate with a candy cane to stir it with.  As you indulge in that delicious drink it’s almost as if nothing else matters.  I think we could all agree that it does something to our mood and how we act.  {{Because let’s be honest… no Starbucks drink is good for our stomach – it’s our heart that benefits.}}

The reason I say this – is not to make you wish it was Christmas time already, but more of an attempt to describe what I have been feeling in my heart.

It’s that indescribable sweet feeling that changes the way you see things.  Suddenly what would irritate you doesn’t matter as much.  Suddenly you feel the urge to sing because you become carefree and slightly silly.  Suddenly you realize that in this world you can have hope.

Now I know this all can’t come from a drink, but like I said it’s my attempt to share what I have experienced.  I didn’t have my hot chocolate or any other drink that made me feel this sweetness deep in my core…no… I had an experience with the One True Living God.  It began on August 8^th and has since then spread.  It is happening so frequently now – that I think it’s here to stay.

God is moving. 

God is speaking. 

His love is great & His love is sweet. 

He is gentle. 

He is willing & able.

He is gracious and merciful.

God is a Lover.

This week was about repentance & forgiveness.  The majority of the time, I didn’t feel as if I had anything I hadn’t already laid at the foot of the cross.  But as time elapsed and I earnestly sought God out asking to see what areas of my life I have covered up… I realized that there were weeds that needed to be pulled out.  I have allowed hurt to seep into the cracks and become part of the foundation of who I am.  BUT NO MORE.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, I sat before my family here at YWAM and prayed.  I prayed hard.  Asking God to forgive me for the specific areas that He had brought to my attention earlier this week.

No more will I allow past situations to take control of my thoughts and actions.  Jesus Christ has saved and redeemed me!

Oh, the sweet sense and light-heartedness He brought to my heart!  The weeds were pulled out from my heart and the space that the roots were once taking up had suddenly become gaps that allowed His light to shine through and through!!  In doing so, I can hear God’s calling so much clearer now.  Before, it was as if His voice was muffled because of the unnecessary baggage I carried.  BUT NO MORE.  I was forgiven the moment Jesus died for my sins, but today I put my whole focus back on God. 

It was brought to my attention during lecture this week that people have two core needs: security and significance.  If we don’t find those in God, then we will find it somewhere else.  When we forgive and repent, our focus is put back on God and allows God to build character.  I am being refreshed and renewed by God daily.  I can feel how sweet it is to taste the Father’s love. God has the power to change your life, but only if you let Him in.  He gave us free will and love is a choice. God is a choice.