This is one of those times where I’d just assume put a pretty picture on a pretty blog with pretty words. But I can’t.
Something has strangled my soul lately. And like only an all-knowing, all-seeing Father can do, God graciously lifted the corner of the veil from my eyes. Just a corner, because if He was to lift the entire veil, I would probably die seeing His holiness next to my great sinfulness.
What did He reveal?
Pride.
Judgment.
A splintery log in the eye.
To see it left me as a mess on the floor.
But sin does that. It’s a cancer that eats away at unseen layers. Stealing life. Squashing joy. Hurting relationships. It deceives — pacifying the craving for true freedom with its lies.
Yet He calls those who believe “righteous.” Righteous? He calls me daughter, loved, secure, forgiven, freed, sealed, kept, and pursued.
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.
Romans 4:3-5
I guarantee you, it isn’t because of me. I’ve seen what I’m capable of. I know how I can run. It’s because of Him and His mercy. It’s because of His grace. It’s because Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty of my rebellious heart. And it’s because I imperfectly believe.
It isn’t pretty but it’s real. It’s what humbles us before an amazingly generous God. Regardless of us, in spite of us, out of His scandalous love He says, “In Me, my child, you. are. righteous.”
I think it’s time to dance.
Gungor, “Call Me Out”
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the video.
Fill me, Lord…
How would you describe what follows a time of repentance?
Meredith says
You are beautiful and brave, and I thank you for the honesty and for laying yourself bare.
And for linking to Gungor– a band I have often heard OF but never heard… WOW!
Lara Gibson Williams says
Bless you, Meredith. And yes, I love Gungor. They are so gifted!
StefanieYoungBrown says
I absolutely LOVE this thought: “Regardless of us, in spite of us, out of His scandalous love He says, “In Me, my child, you. are. righteous.” Oh, I’m so grateful!
Thank you for your transparent heart!
Lara Gibson Williams says
Thanks, Stefanie. Praying you are encouraged in Him today, sister friend.
Johanna Fenton says
Love this song! Fun to see it here.
Johanna Fenton says
Lara, I had to comment one more time. I came back to your blog this morning to listen to this song. I like this live version a lot. I’m jamming to it while editing next week’s post on The Seed Company blog. I guess you have a small part in that! 🙂
Our Family for His Glory says
I’m so blessed by your honesty and heart. Thank you for sharing how God is working in you. Jessica