empty but alive.

tonight i went with my roommate and Aaron, a special needs college student, to the baptist student ministry meeting on campus. they call it "pause" which is a very appropriate name. as we sang, worshipped, laughed, listened, and prayed all my to-do lists, my anxious thoughts, and my focus on myself faded into the background. it was a time to slow down and be refreshed, away from all the business and distractions surrounding me.

a phrase from the last song we sang tonight ("majesty" hillsong united) really caught my attention:

"Your grace has found me just as I am,

Empty-handed but alive in Your hands."

apart from Christ i am totally empty, devoid of anything of worth. i come to Him empty-handed and He fills my outstretched palms with His glorious life and grace. i am so undeserving of this love. i come with nothing and He gives me everything.

i love the next verse in the song as well:

"here i am humbled by the love that You give,

forgiven so that i can forgive,

so here i stand,

knowing that i'm Your desire,

sanctified by glory and fire.

and now i've found the greatest love of all is mine,

since You laid down Your life,

the greatest sacrifice."

truly, everything i have has been given me by Christ. i have been forgiven so that i can forgive others. the only reason i can love is because i was first loved by the God of the universe. i have life because Christ laid down His life for my sin.

i have so much and yet i am so ungrateful, focused on what i do not have or don't seem to have. or i feel like God isn't providing what i think i need (a new good friend, etc.) fast enough.

Lord Jesus,

thank you for reminding me of all that You have already given me. Help me to thank you for all the riches and start sharing them more with others. Help me to wait on Your timing and continue to serve You while i am waiting. You are good and more than enough for all of me.

in the precious name of Your Son,

amen.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:3 NASB

"majesty" hillsong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PUyYRntc24&feature=related