God's smiling at you.

We have a weekly worship service here on campus called Warriors. I attended last night, and we sang the hymn Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken. It was written in 1824 by Henry Francis Lyte, a Scottish Anglican. Anyone who says all hymns are old and meaningless is crazy. This is the fifth verse:

Soul then know thy full salvation;
Rise o'er sin and fear and care;
Joy to find in every station,
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
Think what Father's smiles are thine,
Think that Jesus died to win thee;
Child of heaven, canst thou repine?

Repine: to be discontented or low in spirits; complain or fret

I love how the Psalmists often speak to their souls, instructing themselves. I've talked about this concept with several people. In our present culture, the idea of talking to yourself is somewhat ridiculous, but the power of speaking Scripture and God's promises out loud is incredible. I mean just think about how awesome God's Spirit is- and He lives inside us! Think how much a smile from your best friend, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your dad or or your mom means to you. Then, think about the might, love, and vastness of the LORD. He too, is our Father, and He smiles at us. We are His people, His children, His beloved.

Some of us have heard a million times, "Jesus died for us." Consider, though, what you've done in order to keep someone with you. Think about your wife or your husband. What convinced you to be with them? Or, if you're single, think about your future relationship. What do you expect someone to do for you to win your affection? I'm guessing your list doesn't include "dying for me." No one could be expected to go to such lengths! But, that's exactly what Jesus sacrificed so that He could have you next to Him. That just blows me away.