one truth to remember every morning

This morning my alarm woke me bright and early, same as always. But, without even thinking, I hit snooze. Twice.

When I finally got out of bed, I tripped over the dogs on my way to the kitchen. Guided by scent, I made my way to the coffee pot, already filled with my favorite medium brew.

Although dragging today, this is my favorite part of the day.

Snuggled in under a blanket on the couch, I cup my hands around my warm mug and breathe in slowly. For just a few minutes, I try to quiet my mind and settle my heart.

Baptismal Truth

When Jesus came up out of the murky waters of baptism, the heavens opened wide and the Spirit descended on Him like a dove. Then, a voice from heaven boomed, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

This declaration of approval from the Father came at an unexpected time: before.

Before Jesus began His public ministry – before He preached a single sermon – before He healed one body – before He saved one soul. Before Jesus did anything for which we call Him Savior, God declared His affirmation, love, and delight in Him.

Before much of anything, Jesus was marked as one fully loved and wholly approved. 

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What if you and I decided to start our day under the profound security of this baptismal truth?

What if – before lists and schedules – before email and social media and work and school and kids – what if before all the things, we took just a few minutes to rest in the truth that we are the Father’s great delight, fully loved and wholly approved.

Because, yall, this is our truth.

“As Christians, we wake each morning as those who are baptized. We are united with Christ and the approval of the Father is spoken over us. We are marked from our first waking moment by an identity that is given to us by grace: an identity that is deeper and more real than any other identity we will don that day.” (Warren, Liturgy of the Ordinary)

Like Jesus, you and I are God’s beloved, unconditionally loved and wholly approved.

God is pleased with us before we even open our eyes.

Still not sure?

Some days this truth is easier to believe than others.

How can God be pleased with me when I wake up each day so self-consumed? When I’m focused on my schedule, my list, my agenda? When I’m more drawn to Instagram than His Word? Why would He approve of someone so selfish – so lazy – so easily distracted?

God can and does love, approve and delight in us … because of Jesus.

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

{God’s saving was all His idea and all His work. All we have to do is trust Him and receive it.}

• “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11

{God takes so much pleasure in those who follow after Him.}

• “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1

{Because of Jesus, we no longer live in the disapproval or punishment of God.}

• “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

{Imagine a groom serenading his new bride. God’s not afraid to make a big ‘ol spectacle of His love for you.}

Truth worth practicing every morning.

Imagine the deep confidence and profound joy that Jesus had as He walked away from the Jordan River that day. Imagine how His heart raced, every part of Him alive and quickened by His Father’s spoken words of affection.

Friends, that same confidence and joy is ours at the start of each new day. God has spoken His affection over us.

If we are shaped everyday by what we practice (and I believe we are), then this is truth worth practicing. This is truth worth remembering every morning when we roll out of bed. It’s worth a few extra minutes of quiet on the couch, hot coffee in hand.  It’s truth worth sitting in and soaking under under it pours from every fiber of our being.

We are God’s beloved, unconditionally loved and wholly accepted.

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A few questions to chew on as you go:

1. In what ways do you struggle to believe that God sees you as He sees Jesus – unconditionally loved and wholly accepted?
2. Any people pleasers out there?? How might learning to live fully from the Father’s acceptance and approval affect your daily desire to please others?
3. Anyone else thrive in being productive and/or performing well? How would your day-to-day look different if you learned to live fully from the Father’s approval and acceptance instead of always having to check one more thing off the list?