The last two years have been tough spiritually. In what seemed like overnight, my confidence in God’s love and kindness vanished. The more I read the Word, the more I discovered my own ineptness. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed (almost terrorized) by a fear of His punishment. I vaguely sensed that God was not pleased with me–that there was more to be done. In an attempt to fight it, I tried harder. Most days, however, I’m left burdened with the guilt of not doing enough.
Thankfully, God simultaneously began revealing scriptures regarding a simple truth: I am righteous in Christ. It was something I’d read, even said, but did not fully understand. Still, He proved in scripture after scripture that I simply could not attain the righteousness He required. No. This righteousness was a gift obtained only by faith in Jesus.
“You mean, Lord, my behavior makes no difference in my right standing with You?” Still, I struggled, knowing that righteous character was a byproduct of a life in Christ. Somehow, I couldn’t get the two to come together. I vented to my mother, saying, “I feel like I have no safe place to land.” Trying wasn’t the answer, and not trying didn’t seem an option. Desperately, I’d pray, “What do You want me to do?” Repeatedly, my heart would hear, “Be still.”
I was stuck.
Have you been there? Are you still there? Then, let me show you something I saw in Isaiah 61.
“To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
That’s what I wanted–beauty for ashes, blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair, and to be a great oak for God. And while this scripture gives me hope despite myself, I seemed no closer to its promise.
It was only today that the Lord revealed its true power. To appreciate it fully, however, you have to read further in the chapter.
“…His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.” Isaiah 61:11 (NLT)
You see, the first verse shows where the beautiful, blessed, and joyful oaks stand–in their righteousness. The second verse defines where they grow–in His righteousness. When you put these two verses together, it’s wonderful to see! After all, the very soil in which they now maturely stand is the same soil in which they grew. Meaning, His righteousness IS their righteousness; they are one and the same.
When God opened my eyes to see, tears began to flow. I’ve been stuck–stunted, really–because I didn’t know where to stand. And when you don’t know, you won’t grow.
Friends, righteousness is not about what we do; it’s about where we stand. So let’s bury ourselves in the ground of His grace, remain in His righteousness, and grow to become great oaks for His glory.
With love and humility,
Kaime
“You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.”
Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)“Can we boast, then, that we have done ANYTHING to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.” Romans 3:27 (NLT) (EMPHASIS MINE)
“STAND YOUR GROUND, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) (EMPHASIS MINE)
“…You are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and STAND FIRMLY in it.”
Colossians 2:22-23 (NLT) (EMPHASIS MINE)
