July 16

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the centre of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life”! Jude 1:20-21 (MSG)

Our broken hearts, so often pierced and bruised in this journey of life, may teach us to keep our arms wrapped tightly around ourselves, pulling us in, and pushing others away. And yet here is this wonder-working God of ours, beckoning us instead to stretch our arms wide—waiting, expecting, and ready.

But ready for what, we may cautiously ask? To be hurt again; experience more pain; a deeper grief, more sorrow, or shame? No, precious one, the good news is, with Jesus as our Saviour and Friend, it could never be so. Rather this is what He calls us to—mercy overflowing, love everlasting, and radical grace in an unceasing flow! All designed to heal our hearts and put the broken pieces together again, in the most masterful and marvellous ways.

With great confidence then, we can keep our arms open for love—the real-life kind of love that sees, knows, and understands. A devoted love, from the One Who is love. A love that never fails. 
 
We can be ready, just as the Scripture says, for Jesus to come, with healing in His wings. Oh yes, beloved, this is the abundant life that He has promised! So, arms up dear one, ready to receive! You can trust Him, bravest heart. It is good, this life of redeeming love that He offers.  It is goodness unending and amazing grace, lavishly poured out, for you.

Prayer:

Precious Lord, it is true, so often I have kept You out, born from the fear of being hurt or let down, even feeling unworthy at times of real love, and I have kept others out, too. 

Today Lord, as an act of my will, I lift my arms—my heart and my life to You. Come and do in and through me what only You can do.

You know the mess and the mis-steps, the longings and the pain. Holy Spirit teach me how to pray so I never go back into all that is old, but I stay centred in the love of God—in the mercy-filled, unending, real life You have planned.

Building myself up in You, Holy Spirit, and with Your leading and guidance, I pray.