Deeper Life #196

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

—Isaiah 35:10

IN GALATIANS 2:20, PAUL STATES, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Paul is referring to a changed identity—or, more strictly speaking, to a changed disposition ruling in his human nature.

When I consecrate myself with an unreserved surrender to God, having made the moral decision that I shall no longer live for myself or for the pleasure of my own spiritual experience, God will share His beauty and joy in me forever. This martyr spirit is the only spirit the Lord Jesus Christ recognizes in a fully mature Christian.

Prayer Thought: Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of Your holy love and the thrill of Your joy.

SUGGESTED READING: Isaiah 35