impact

I find it amazing the extent to which Christ impacts our lives.

From every moment of every day, I am continually reminded of how I think and act contrary to popular culture. This is simply due to his influence and love in my life.

Take, for example, the practice of prayer. Imagine a day without prayer – not a prayer in the morning, at meal-time, in a tough spot, or merely of thanks and appreciation. Not once would you be able to cry out to God in desperation. Not once would you feel the comfort of his love, presence, and protection. I cannot fathom such a concept. Yes, I have been through my fair share of desert times and I-cannot-hear-the-Lord times, but even in those times I can pour myself out to him. Even in those times, I have the promise of his presence and the truth that he is near. Yes, I have felt empty, alone, and meaningless – I suspect we all have at some point. But imagine that feeling without the hope of the Lord, the joy of Christ, the promise of prayer. I cannot image that existence.

Or take his blessings. Imagine a day without the joy of knowing the Lord’s provision, that he has a plan for you and wants to prosper you. Imagine a life of mere coincidences rather than divine appointments. God is in the business of blessing his children and he is not afraid to show them that.

How about his love and forgiveness? Imagine a day without love, without forgiveness. We are human – we mess up. But imagine if we could not experience freedom from the mistakes we made. Imagine what life would be like if love were withheld. I understand that many people do go through life devoid of these things – unloved by those who should care for them, burdened with mistakes and faults. That cross must be nearly impossible to bear. And so in those times of burden and loneliness, where can they turn? Without Christ, no where profitable. But with Christ, even such dark times can be lightened. Even when one feels alone, unloved, and burdened, they can turn to the Lord and receive comfort, love, and grace – regardless of what is being said or felt in the natural world. Isn’t that incredible?

So again I reiterate my original thought: I am amazed by Christ’s impact on and in my life. I cannot imagine (nor do I wish to) a life without him. That said, I am burdened for those who do not experience freedom and love in Christ. I guess I’ll have to do something about that. =)