All That I Am and All That I Have

There’s the sweetest little chapel at Biola University called the Rose of Sharon Chapel.  As I walked the campus yesterday, getting acclimated to its layout and orienting myself with everything, I found it nestled between the trees, quaint and unassuming.
 
It was Saturday afternoon, but I thought I’d check to see if the doors were open.  With a tug on the heavy door, I entered the quiet serenity of this little alcove in the heat of campus.
 
Quietly, almost with hesitation, I walked to the front pew and sat down to pray. This place felt holy. 
 
A large jar of written prayers sat on the altar table along with three very well worn and obviously well-read Bibles.  The pages were wrinkled and looked as if they’d gotten wet. I wondered if tears had fallen on these pages. 
 
I took a moment to just breathe it all in. I let my heart, mind, and soul get quiet. 
 
And gratitude flooded me. 
 
Tears welled up in my eyes and ran down my face. 
 
I moved from the seat of the pew to the well-worn carpeted step before the altar and laid my face on the ground in front of it. 
 
And I thanked God for the transformation he is working in me. 
 
Psalm 40 has been my life verse.  And as I let my tears fall to the carpet in that quiet chapel, I praised him again for reaching down his hand and lifting me from the brokenness and mess I created.  
 
I thanked him for setting my feet on the firm foundation of a life lived with him and for him. 
 
And, with awe and wonder, I worshipped him for putting a new song in my mouth, one that I hope continues to bring him honor and glory and praise. 
 
As I do daily, I offered him all that I am and all that I have and I thanked him for inviting me to partner with him to share the good news of a love that brings hope and healing. 
 
He’s so good. 
He’s so present.
He rescues and he restores. 
He makes all things new.
He transforms.
And he invites us into this incredible partnership to offer hope and healing to the world. 
 
It’s mind blowing.
And today, as I reflect, I am abundantly grateful.
 
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
Psalms 40:1-3 NIV

Prayer:

God, thank you for the way you transform us.  Thank you that you have been with us, actively working and moving in our lives, inviting us to draw closer and closer to you.  Thank you that you invite us to partner with you to share the gospel message that has the power to bring hope and healing to our soul. 
We are humbled and so thankful.  Amen.

Scripture for Meditation:

Psalms 40:1-3 NIV
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

Journal Reflection:
 

How might God be inviting you to offer yourself to him?  How might God be inviting you into partnership with his kingdom work?

Practice:

Take a moment to think about the way God has and is transforming you.  Offer him your own prayer of worship and thanksgiving.