Restful Transformation
Some aspects of spiritual growth are relaxing, refreshing — and powerful
Some pictures the Bible uses to describe spiritual growth are demanding and require a good bit of self-discipline.
Jesus said things like:
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)
Jesus wants to prepare us to live victoriously in this fallen world
The way to destruction is wide and easy. The way to life is narrow and hard.
He also said:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself.?” (Luke 9:23–25, ESV)
More challenging words from Jesus.
Daily self-denial, picking up our cross, and following Jesus, whether it’s easy or hard, is what it takes.
Jesus knows His followers are living in a world that is, to a great degree, under the influence and rule of sin and Satan. That means there are aspects to following Him that will be demanding and require a firm commitment.
Thankfully, that is one side of discipleship.
The joyful side of following Jesus
There is also the other side that is wonderfully refreshing, joyful, and pleasant. That’s what I want to focus on for the rest of this article.
Psalm 16:11b, NASB95) says:
“In the presence of the Lord is the fullness of joy. In His right hand are pleasures forever.”
Psalm 23 tells us that God, our Shepherd, “makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul…” (23:2–3a, ESV)
God wants us to experience the highest possible levels of joy, and that can be found only in His presence. Joy is one of the pillar virtues and experiences of God’s kingdom (Romans 14:17).
Jesus consistently said things like:
“These things I have said to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11, NASB95)
When something is full that means there is room for no more. Once it is full and more is added, it will then “overflow.” According to Scripture, that is God’s will for us.
“That your joy may be full”
… “the fullness of joy”
This is what God wants us to experience in our relationship with Himself.
The cross made the life of Jesus possible for us
The Cross of Jesus has made it possible for every one of us to come with boldness and confidence, by faith, into the holy, love-saturated presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior.
It is the will of God that we enjoy Him and that we know, even with our sins and weaknesses, that He enjoys us.
It is possible to learn how to still our stressed-out souls and racing minds. We can learn to step into the joy-filled, love-saturated, faith-building, accepting, welcoming, encouraging, holy presence of God.
Sure, it takes practice
But we were created in the image of God so we could have this kind of life-giving relationship with Him.
One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is to sit down, relax, and then focus my mind as best I can on a few aspects of the love, peace, and joy of God. To remind myself that I am welcomed, loved, and enjoyed by the Heavenly Father even more than I enjoy my own sons.
If I’m still having trouble reading the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, picturing the Heavenly Father responding with such joy over me almost always does the trick.
I reflect on a Scripture or passage in the Bible that emphasizes these truths. Then prayerfully, thankfully, bring my mind, emotions, and body to Him through the Son. I gradually experience some of this pleasant, joyful, life-changing presence.
Restful transformation
This type of resting in God’s love, joy, and holiness is transformational. 2 Corinthians 3:18,(ESV) tells us,
”And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Every time we open our souls wide to Jesus and spend time “beholding” His glory in His word and prayer, they transform us a little more into His image. The Holy Spirit does this as we open our souls and rest in His holy presence.
This is the base for the rest of the journey
Some days I’m better at this than others. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on God and receive His Love than on other days. But even when I have trouble, Scripture says God’s presence are still transforming me.
This is the base from which we then pick up our cross, engage in spiritual warfare, and stay on the hard and narrow path that leads to life.
The challenging aspects of following Jesus can only be done when we start from the place of surrendered rest in His holy, joyful, loving presence.
I pray that we all can learn to soak ourselves in His presence, that we get to know Him, receive from Him, and then love Him back with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
If you want more spiritual growth and purpose-living resources, including a free book, Prayer for Busy People, I invite you to head over to www.TruVineMission.com
