On our way to a hike on Saturday, we took some winding roads through a pretty hillside. The air was cool but moisture laden, the trees a bright healthy green, the sun shining down in all its glory. And the words of a song, “It’s Your breath in our lungs,” came to life. Every breath we take is His. He is keeping me alive. He is in me!
“At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”
-John 14:20
“You will know,” He said. Not “I will then be in you.” It is a matter of knowing that He is already in us. That Jesus and His Father have made their home in us.
“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
-John 14:23
Why did it take me so long to realize this? I have heard many sermons and older Christians talk about Jesus being in us. But I suppose it took some wind in my hair to make it real. The Alpha and the Omega is in me. How does this translate into applied reality?
The commonly known reality is that humans are prone to illness, are weak, and have a propensity to do, think, and say evil things. We are easily swayed by the ways of a world governed by Satan. But when Jesus enters our world and makes His home in us, we are overcome by goodness and peace.
So to answer the question of applied reality, knowing that Jesus is in us should make us fearless, good, gentle, kind, loving, patient, faithful, and peaceful. God’s promise is real.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.“
-Joshua 1:9
But I do not feel gentle, kind, or any of those good virtues all the time. They come in waves and glimmers. I think it is because I have not yet learned to pull back and let Jesus in me take charge. I have not fully handed over the reins of my heart, soul, and mind to my Savior. It is high time to submit and let Him drive. Much like those kids seated on their father’s lap, pretending to steer the pick-up truck while he does all the real work.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”
-Galatians 2:20
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for opening my eyes to Your constant presence. Thank You for loving us so much that You would live with and among us. Please grant me the goodness to hand over the reins of my heart, mind, and soul to You. Please help me get out of the way so that You can transform me into Your good and faithful servant. Amen.