Are you in a time of decrease?
Less is more, right? Less television, less social media, less sugar, less gossip, less complaining, and the list goes on… it’s all about decrease of self and more of Jesus. Isn’t that the goal?
Instead, we find ourselves in a place of increase. Panic, chaos, mistrust, ill-guidance, and sheer frustration follows us closer than our 5 o’clock shadow. How do we shake off the dust of doubt and move into a place of a lighter load on our souls and bodies?
John 3:30 NIV
He must become greater; I must become less
How do we do this? God, we want to walk away from the stress that seems to be perpetually knocking at the door. It’s not just the times of of our culture that is standing there, but it’s life and its ever present burdens that keep driving us down. We have turned our increased sense of despair or questioning into an idol that comforts us when we feel that the holes in life need to be filled instead of given over to You.
vs 31: The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
Trust… it’s all about trust. I can try to give you advise all day long about decreasing your attitudes and fear, but I am only a small person, one in billions. You might be able to trust my thoughts on this or not. However, you can trust your life on God’s Word.
vs 32-35: He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Jesus came to decrease these attitudes by pointing us to the truth. He came to save our lives from the pit of hell and eternal death. He took our sins upon Him at the cross and when we place our trust in Him, His promises come through. God is faithful and just, His mercy endures forever and sees us through all the chaos.
What do we do now? We know the truth. It is time to live it. Be cautious? Yes, God places importance on discernment. Be fearful? No way. Live our lives. Spread the truth. Share the Gospel. Keep moving forward in a stance of decrease so that the Lord and Spirit inside of us may keep on growing our walk.
What do we do now? We know the truth. It is time to live it. Click To TweetHE is greater than i.
He has always been and will always be greater. Let us live in that truth as we fight back against the chaos around us. Keep moving forward and always look up.
What a great encouraging devotional, Maryann! Thank you so much for these words of wisdom.
Pinned.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
This is a great reminder to fill our minds with the things of God. For Him to increase in our thoughts and actions. In doing so we will crowd out the worries, the bad thoughts, and temptations, and testify the mind of Christ working within us to all that we come in contact with.
Thank you for the reminder to keep moving forward and looking up. I seriously needed that today.
There is bad news everywhere,
you must be in the know!
Every hour brings a scare
and round and round we go
upon this spinning circus ride,
this mad-grin carousel;
run with cognoscenti’s pride,
we whirl straight into hell.
It’s time to pull the lever, dude,
and apply the brake.
Do not let the world intrude,
for the world, it is a fake
that gives us papier-mache proof
to draw us from the Gospel Truth.
I love your HE is greater than i. It is a great visual for how we should live our lives in a “stance of decrease” as our need for Him grows!
He is greater and He already knows all about all of this!