From the Inside Out

(A personal praise-psalm)

You, Lord Jesus Christ, are our Source of everything—the salvation of our souls, the sustainer of our lives, the sufficiency in all our circumstances, the Supreme One over all (Colossians 1:16-18)!

For example:

As you, O Christ were raised from the dead . . .  we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).

Our lives can be  marked by wholeness, contentment, freedom, authentic fellowship with you and with each other. “It’s life as it was always meant to be”*—if we choose it.

In you, O Christ we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You give us new views, new desires, new motives, new principles to live by, new plans for our lives, new purpose. 

I praise you that over the decades you’ve been working these entities into my life slowly but surely. (I’ve been the slow part, you are the surely part!)

With you, O Christ, we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with you (Romans 8:17).

God is our Father and we are his. We’re under his care, privileged with access in his presence, blessed with his peace, joy, and more. He is our King, and one day we will live with you, Lord Jesus, in our Father’s kingdom of heaven.

Because of you, O Christ, we can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence (Ephesians 3:12 NLT).

You have made it possible for us to draw near–no matter how unworthy we may feel–into the safety, security, and warmth of God’s presence. There we can turn over our burdens to him and rest in his love.

Through you, O Christ, we can do all things which you call us to do (Philippians 4:13).

You provide the inner strength and power to fulfill God’s purpose for us; you make us ready for anything and equal to anything!

The converse is also true:

Apart from you, O Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Our Father God didn’t design us to be self-sufficient, independent creatures. Relationship was his key motivation for creating us. The greatest outcomes result from working together with you, Lord Jesus, and also the greatest joy.

For you, O Christ, we’ve been commissioned as ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV).

We’re your representatives, privileged to act and speak on your behalf. We get to invite those around us to receive your gift of eternal life and begin a life-changing relationship with you. 

No other gift is as desirable; no other privilege more thrilling.

From you, O Christ, we receive an anointing (1 John 2:20a) for our work as your ambassadors.

Just like the kings and prophets of Old Testament times, you set us apart for special purpose, giving us divine authority and blessing as your servants.

You provide the Holy Spirit—our Helper, Teacher, and Guide, who empowers, transforms, renews, and more.

On you, O Christ, we fix our thoughts (Hebrews 3:1), because . . . 

. . . “What we focus on is what we become” (Epictetus, Greek philosopher).

How glorious to become like you—loving, selfless, humble, and gracious—all those beautiful qualities you demonstrated when you lived on earth. 

Shalom is sure to follow.

To you, O Christ, be glory (2 Peter 3:18)!

You are the source of all blessings. From you and through you and to you are all things.

May all see the splendors of who you are and what you do; may all desire to know you and enjoy every benefit you graciously bestow.

Amen!

*https://thegracecommentary.com/romans-6/

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