My favorite passages – Shine the light of Christ

The more intimate my relationship with God has become, the stronger this unexplainable feeling in my heart grows when I read certain parts of the Bible. Is it warmth, exactly? I don’t really know. But anyway, many of these can be found in the book of Philippians. Here are some of my favorites:

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For this sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith–that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” Chapter 3, verses 7-10 (ESV)

I never started to understand this and take it to heart until I experienced some of the deepest loneliness, depression, pain that I’ve ever felt in my life. It reminds me of Job and how God stripped away everything from his life until only his faith was left. And yet he still chose to be thankful. How do you do that? It’s funny how God works through even those who seemingly don’t have a relationship with Him. These two coworkers of mine seemed to know this story much better than I did, I could barely remember any details. But the distinction between me and them was that their perspectives were almost polar opposite of mine. The way they talked about Job’s life was as if God was punishing him, and causing unnecessary pain. Sure, it’s easy to think that way, especially if you have reason to believe that God has abandoned you. Yet I still choose faith. If it weren’t for my past during which I’ve suffered, after re-learning about what happened to Job, I wouldn’t be able to understand how Job made his choice. But it does make sense. I do believe that people who live comfortable lives and have everything they need, they don’t “need” God. Why would they? My life was like that before my world fell apart. It wasn’t like I had a rich family that didn’t need to worry about finances, but I was definitely comfortable to the best of my knowledge. It’s like there was no space for me to let God in. And still, I felt this emptiness inside me. As I got closer to that turning point in my life, I wondered where my life was headed. So much gradually felt more and more meaningless. Each day was built on chasing that temporary pleasure and trying to feel “happy” somehow. It’s like I was living in a bubble. I had no idea that more existed. I might’ve gotten glimpses of the possibility that more did exist, but I’d never really experienced it for myself. Now I’m so thankful that I’ve come to this point where I know that true joy is attainable, but the catch is that it only comes from God. Everything else pales in comparison. This is the only source I’ve found that actually lasts. He provides a peace that can’t even be emulated. I wish I could show others just how different their lives could be. Maybe God’s plan doesn’t necessarily involve me in the way I’m imagining it when it comes to the role I may play in their lives. Whatever He has planned, I don’t want to delay. I’ve done enough of making my own decisions when deep down I knew God really knew best. This stubbornness of mine has gotten me into trouble too many times. I don’t understand how He forgives me and still wants me after each mistake I make, but that’s why He’s God. You are amazing, Lord. I don’t deserve You.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Chapter 4, verses 6-9 (NIV)

I come back to this one a lot. I pretty much have the first half of this passage memorized, just because it gives me so much strength and peace whenever I’m struggling with anxiety, worries or overthinking. The peace this refers to comes when I actually pray. It usually requires me having to give up my control to Him so that He can take care of things. One of the hardest things for me to do, honestly. Has to do with my trust issues too but He knows me so well that He creates many opportunities where I really have no choice but to eventually do this. You love me too much to let me remain stagnant. I can’t imagine how good Your promises will turn out to be. It’s uncomfortable growing and changing to become who You want me to be but it’ll all be worth it. Thank You.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to I’ve on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Chapter 4, verses 11-13 (NLT)

Honestly, this is my life goal. Sometimes it feels like this is impossible, but whenever I fall into this mentality it’s really because I’ve created distance between me and God and let my thoughts be filled with unbelief. The peace that only God alone can give is what leads to being content in all circumstances, at least that’s how I understand it so far based on my experiences. Ever since I’ve built intimacy between me and Him, I’ve found that He’s put me into so many situations where I realize that I’m so weak, and those are the times that I really can’t go on without His strength. This last verse has become so real to me countless times. I’ve experienced first hand so many times where I couldn’t even function unless I asked Him for the strength to do so. I honestly swear I would’ve laid in bed all day during those times, pretty much mentally paralyzed. I had to choose. Was it going to be the rubbish that left me feeling emptier, or was it going to be the few minutes with God that actually gave me life? I didn’t always choose what was good for me. I guess I needed to experience both sides. Can’t appreciate the good if you don’t know what the bad is like. Well maybe. My point is that nothing else can compare to the strength that God gives you. Other sources always have some sort of negative side effects, whether they’re immediate or more long-term. I just wish it wasn’t so easy to forget this. And for anybody out there who also struggles with stubbornness and surrender (aka giving up control) like I do, I wish it was easier to admit to yourself that God’s way is best. I guess this is one way being a child of God can be literal. I’m so glad I made the recent choice to close that distance between me and Him. It’ll take some time as usual. It’s okay. I’m already feeling His warmth. I’m getting closer. I can’t wait to hear His still small voice again. I’ve really got to give Him my full attention and listen well. Thank You for always loving me unconditionally. Thank You for always being with me. I hope to love others the way You love me. Help me show the world who You truly are, so I can break down those misconceptions people have created. They just haven’t met You for themselves. They’ve only heard rumors. If only they knew the real You. I pray that every single person can experience Your love. I pray that every single person comes back to You. I pray that I can see another life changed by a personal encounter with Your Son. Please, Lord.