People don’t normally pair relaxed and confident with bold, but God does. We see this combination embodied in the stunning creature mentioned above: the lioness. Her posture constantly communicates, “I am what I am. I am powerful and highly skilled, playful and deadly, relaxed, focused, and nurturing.”
This charge is so simple, so liberating, and yet at times so terrifying. As my mind plays over Paul’s words, I find his charge almost irresistible. It makes me think of our lives as unwrapped gifts for our living God. Paul’s wording paints images of lives open to receive all of what is revealed and released from above. Isn’t that what we want?
We find the grace to live this way when we follow our Lion’s lead:
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28–30 The Message
Are we striving and exhausted as we work for God? Have we lost track of what it is to do life with Him? Let’s learn again how to live freely and lightly. Works and striving were our posture after the Fall, but rest should be our position after redemption.
This week, I encourage you to ask God for the grace to be open, at rest, and confident. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal the areas of your life that have become weighed down or enclosed. Allow your Father’s light to chase away every hint of shadow so you can live freely in Him!
