Right Where You Are
Nov 06, 2022
Right Where You Are
What do you have to share as a woman of God that you are learning this year:
I’m learning over and over this year that Jesus really does meet you right where you are.
When you are throwing a temper tantrum because life isn’t playing out how you expected, when you’re having to share your experiences with all kinds of unwelcomed emotions, when He doesn’t feel near like He once did, when you’re blaming Him for all of this and more… He still meets you there.
He’s not far despite my contrary feelings or failing human understanding. He’s not keeping his distance because of His distaste for my mood. He’s actually closer to me than anyone else could ever be. He’s not phased by my angry words, my fowl faces, my disappointment or disillusionment of life’s display. He’s not offended by my weakened strength in the storm.
He knows my fragile heart, my fickle faith. He isn’t keeping a tally of my wins and losses as I wander, wondering if He is indeed who He says He is. If He can really be safe..
He’s not taking inventory of the fruit I’m bearing (or not bearing) in the desert, just waiting to disqualify me from the race for a misstep or not measuring up. He’s just asking me to receive water in a bewildered state. To recognize my weakness so I can glory in His strength. To taste and see His goodness in the land of the living when my heart is discouraged or my mind is dogged with worry.
He wants me to really live the redeemed and renewed life that Jesus paid for… that can only come when I draw from the Well outside myself. He wants me to trust that HE is someone who still gives His goodness, gifts and grace when I act the least deserving. He doesn’t withhold Himself on my account. It’s not His nature. His character is not a response to mine. Selah.
He will continue to be the Gospel to me, to give out of the abundance of what was bought with the blood of Jesus. To remind me, JESUS already paid the price for ALL my offenses. To tell me that I am FREE. Free to be found exactly where I am without fear of rejection or failure beyond repair. I am free to react and respond to an unreconciled world and know He weeps with me. He is making all things right in His time.
He will bring tangible arms around me to be His own in moments where I am the most vulnerable, the most unlovable… the most unfair. He will always hug me.
He will quiet me with His love and sing sweet songs over me. Not because I deserve it or have in any way earned it… but because HE is love. Unbridled and unconditional… as far as the east is from the west He disposes of my sin and He will not act contrary to who He is. He won’t stop showing the heights and depths of His love for me.
He is HOLY - and yet, because Jesus tore the veil, He is completely in our midst, even here, making my heart His tabernacle. He won’t miss a moment to cry, comfort, cradle and caress me back to praising Him simply because of who He is. He is Love, right where you are.
A reflection song:
Sinking Deep - Hillsong
Standing here in Your presence
In a grace so relentless
I am won
By perfect love
Wrapped within the arms of heaven
In a peace that lasts forever
Sinking deep
In mercy's sea
I'm wide awake
Drawing close
Stirred by grace
And all my heart is Yours
All fear removed
I breathe You in
I lean into Your love
Oh, Your love
When I'm lost You pursue me
Lift my head to see Your glory
Lord of all
So beautiful
Here in You I find shelter
Captivated by the splendor
Of Your face
My secret place
I'm wide awake
Drawing close
Stirred by grace
And all my heart is Yours
All fear removed
I breathe You in
I lean into Your love
Oh, Your love
Your love so deep
Is washing over me
Your face is all I seek
You are my everything
Jesus Christ
You are my one desire
Lord hear my only cry
To know You all my life
Love so deep
Is washing over me
Your face is all I seek
You are my everything
Jesus Christ
You are my one desire
Lord hear my only cry
To know You all my life
I'm wide awake
Drawing close
Stirred by grace
And all my heart is Yours
All fear removed
I breathe You in
I lean into Your love
Oh, Your love
I love the line “Sinking deep in Mercy’s sea” married with the bridge of the song I walked down the aisle to, Sail… “I let out the sails of my heart, here I am, here you are.” God meets me in His mercy as I learn to let out the sails of my heart in His love. Amen!
by Caroline Willingham
