Unopened Yeti

Walking through my brothers garage I glanced over and saw a Yeti box. As I commented about him having a Yeti Cooler he mentioned he'd received it at the Southern Hills Member-guest a few weeks ago.  We briefly talked about it and he decided to open it up. Realizing it's value made it more interesting. And relevant. He'd also been given a Yeti tumbler for coffee or cold drinks. He had stashed it away in an upper cabinet in the kitchen. 

I couldn't help but think of the spiritual parellels. How many times I leave God's gifts to me unopened. Not realizing the value. Not realizing their relevance. God's word is relevant. It's useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in rightesouness (2 Tim 3:16). God has made available to me (and you) everything we need to lead and enjoy an abundant life. Right here, right now. Life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Do I leave those on the shelf, or in a box?

The 4th of July weekend is so ironic for me. It's a weekend where our country celebrates freedom,  although daily our freedoms are dwindling. Personally, it's a weekend I realize how much bondage and fear I still fight against in my life. It doesn't show up every day, but as the 4th rolls around I can find myself anxious. Somehow back in time to 2003. Having to take captive every thought because I do not want to relive the events of 2003. Somehow though, I can't help myself.

But, God has given me everything I need to be free. Second Corinthians 3:17 says, "Now The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom."  God's word is full of truth and life. Every single time I open His word, sing songs of praise and call on the name above all names, I find freedom. 

His grace is suffiicent. He's proven that to me countless times. His mercies are truly new every morning and His faithfulness is great! He has never once left or forsaken me. He shows me His love each day in so many ways. 

Too many of us live in a cycle of fear, condemnation, oppression, guilt or many other forms of bondage. But, He came to set us free. His word is living and active and available. I am grateful each day I can open His word, hide it in my  heart, keep it on my tongue and stand firm. Everytime I do, I find victory. 

Make no mistake, the enemy is roaming the earth looking for whom he can devour. But, this truth I hold onto - "For the eyes of The Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9. Jesus came that I might have abundant life - right here, right now! 

So, like that Yeti cooler, waiting in that unopened box, I am thankful I have the freedom to open God's Holy word each day, anytime I want to and be reminded of truth. I'm always reminded of a song I quietly sang many, many times in 2003. And, I still do. 

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me.

So, whether I feel like it or not, the truth is still true. I am free. I'm so very simply grateful.