He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
(“How He Loves Us” David Crowder)
Although I’ve heard this song probably well over a 100 times, lately it’s a constant playing record in my heart and each word within it has more weight than it ever has. I’m thankful for the beautiful process of sanctification- the process of becoming like Christ as we grow in understanding of Him. Process is defined as, “a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result”. I was/am so guilty in my Christian walk to want immediate gratification and well, immediate sanctification. Unfortunately, it’s the American way these days. We want something and we do whatever it takes to make sure that happens, yet often missing or making sure to skip the process, and the beauty that lies within. God wants me to know Him and have great relationship with Him. This comes with a process, just like all relationships.
When I first met my husband, I knew I would marry Him. Although I hardly knew him, I knew I wanted him to be mine. Forever. It took time to get to know him though and even still, over 10 years later, I’m learning and will always be learning more about Him. Of course, this process hasn’t always been easy and has had it’s challenges, but there’s still undeniable beauty in it. And this is just like my walk with Christ. When the Lord called me to Himself, although it was an immediate desire for Him- I didn’t know Him. Jeremiah 24:7 (Amplified) tells us “And I will give them a heart to know (recognize, understand, and be acquainted with) Me, that I am the Lord..” It’s an ongoing journey of surrendering my heart to Him, abiding in Him, and daily sanctification by His truth. His love is truly an unexplainable hurricane, and because of this I long to be His tree.
I feel like through this process, as He bends, molds, changes and grows me through better understand Him, I am so encouraged by the next verse.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
Because I am His, He demands all of me- not some, not when I feel like it, not when it’s easy- but ALL. Every minute, Everyday. Thankful that He redeemed me and so humbled to be sinking in His undeserving grace…today and always.
