The natural inclination of the heart is to think that we are the center of the universe, and that the world revolves around ourselves. Truly this defines the root of all sins. Even for those of us who seek to follow Jesus, the daily routines, external stimuli, fears and insecurities propel us to focus our thoughts and energy upon ourselves. Our heart and soul need corrected and aligned with truth from our Father so that we grow, thrive and complete the call upon our lives.
In Ezekiel 36:22–38, we find Father God soul-correcting His children. “It is not for your sake…that I am about to act, but for My holy name…I will vindicate the holiness of My great name…Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,…when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.” What a wake-up call and soul correction! The entire purpose of God moving on our behalf is that His own holiness and glory would shine! Our lives revolve around God, like planets around the sun, and we serve to reflect the power and greatness of God. “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands…Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances…so you will be My people, and I will be your God…I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord GOD “…I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt…Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’” By God’s power we are transformed, and anything holy, good and powerful must be understood as coming from God Himself, not from ourselves, that the LORD receives all glory and honor!
Let us daily repent of our self-centered fears and insecurities, and repent of our focus upon others and the material world, to declare that the LORD reigns over our lives and over all of history. Be still and know that He is God.
LORD, I let go and lose myself in Your holiness, power and greatness, for Your Namesake. Thank You, for the gift of salvation, the gift of Your Spirit that lives and moves within me, and the equipment to follow You. Your strength be perfected in my weakness and may Your story be completed perfectly through my life today, that I would reflect Your glory!