Day 57 – Christ in You
Brother Lawrence wrote in a letter: “If you could . . . concern yourself only with God, you would win a great victory! God does not ask a great deal of us: a brief remembrance from time to time, a brief act of adoration, occasionally to ask him for his grace or offer him your sufferings, at other times to thank him for the graces he has given you and is giving you. In the midst of your work find consolation in him as often as possible. During your meals and conversations, occasionally lift up your heart to him; the least little remembrance of him will always be most agreeable. You need not shout out: he is closer to us than we may think.”
We don’t always have to be in church to be with God. We are a living tabernacle, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the residence of Jesus Christ who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
I picture my soul as this inner dwelling place of God.
On the throne of my life sits King Jesus. Throughout the day I can bow before him in worship – extolling the beauty of his holiness, the grandeur of his majesty, the glory of his grace.
Throughout the day I can live in fellowship with Jesus: Like Enoch, walking with God (Genesis 5:22). Like Moses, talking with God “as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). Being with Jesus, as sharing a meal and conversation together (Revelation 3:20).
Anytime of the day or night I can call upon God for help, ask him any question, trust him for any enabling. “He is closer to us than we may think.”
Throughout the day I can picture an altar of sacrifice and service.
Dedicating myself to Jesus on that altar as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), he touches me with a holy flame that purges me (Isaiah 6:6-7). Then with that same fire fallen from heaven, he propels me into his service (Acts 2:3-4; Matthew 3:11).
Daily at the altar of my heart, I live out my sacrifice of dedication and find enablement for service.
In this holy dwelling place within us, as Brother Lawrence teaches us – from time to time remembering God, briefly adoring the Lord, occasionally asking for divine help or offering up our sufferings, sometimes thanking God for his gifts.
These little acts of prayer and worship delight God very much. We begin and begin again. In little ways throughout the day this spiritual practice becomes a part of us as Christ is formed in us (Galatians 4:19).
This is Christ in you, and me, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Question: In your relationship with God, what biblical images especially capture your heart and mind and will?
This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave
