Learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ.
Even in our pain we live from this enthroned position in Jesus. Even in our affliction on earth we can experience our exaltation in heaven. That is what to live is Christ means, constant movement from pain to praise. Why? Because God’s salvation has set us on high with him.
To live is Christ means trusting God’s justice while also trusting his mercy.
Now to live is Christ means we can say with the psalmist, You know. You know my reproach. You know my shame. You know my dishonor. You know my despair. You know my broken heart. But to live is Christ also means that we can know his joy on the other side.
Are you still trying to convince God to do what you want, or are you trusting God’s covenant promises in Christ to do what he wants, when he wants? To live is Christ is always the latter.
Now we understand. We are no longer bewildered as David was over the world’s consternation. We count the cost of following Christ, and we find joy in suffering for his name’s sake. How? Because we know that in Christ all weakness is strength, and all dishonor is glory. We know that our suffering, like Christ’s, is always redemptive. We know that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Does your prayer life take you on this journey of self-reflection and repentance? Or do you just pray for the removal of your suffering? Do your prayers lead you to a deeper desire for holiness, not for you own sake, but for the sake of others? Do you pray for to live is Christ?
To Live is Christ 