The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soulਨਮੂਨਾ

When the grace of God dwells in a believer’s life, the redeeming work of Christ helps us exchange our insecurities for confidence in Christ, our worry for worship, and our fear for faith. And as it does, two things change:

Our motivation to use our skills and giftings: We’re no longer driven to build our own kingdoms or to prove our worth to those around us.

Our ability to step out in our callings: We are capable and supplied by the grace of God for any and all things he gives us to do. Whether that’s to change diapers joyfully, to lead an organization courageously, to teach children diligently, or to preach the Word faithfully, we experience the beautiful reality: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Friend, let that take up residence in the rooms of your heart and mind! Let’s fan into flame the gifts of God in us with the fuel of gospel truth. Let’s evict fear and worry, not allowing them to overstay their welcome and rob us of the courage we need to walk in the work God has called us to.

If “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” we find courage by rehearsing the truths of that power, love, and fruit of self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus is our enabler—the source of the power we need. He is the giver of the self-control required to unseat fear and instead rest in transforming grace. We can evict fear and dwell with courage as Christ’s workmanship, and get to work.

Larkspur

Delphinium scaposum

The larkspur is an early spring bloomer, and as with so many flowers, it has different varieties with many colors and many meanings.

One such meaning is connected to being openhearted. What a picture of living openhearted before God! Openhearted, willing to lay our sin and hidden places before God. Openhearted, open to learning something new. Openhearted, willing to step out for God even if we’re afraid.

May we live openhearted. Like a field of wildflowers, laid bare, glowing with and for the glory of God.

Prayer

Lord, I want to open myself fully to your will and your plan for me. Please help me to use the gifts you’ve given me to glorify your name. Amen.