Delaney Johnston is sharing devotional thoughts with us this week! You can learn more about her on the contribuors page.
Have you ever over-filled something before?
Maybe you tried stuffing too many clothes into your laundry bag, or perhaps you attempted to fill a cup to the brim . . . only to realize (rather quickly) that you surpassed “the brim” about three seconds and one liquid avalanche too soon.
Maybe it was a dishwasher that proved a victim to your over-filling conquest, or (even worse) maybe it was your schedule, your to-do list, or your commitment to certain responsibilities.
Regardless of the context, I’m sure we could agree that, yes—at one point or another—we’ve experienced what it means to over-fill something . . . and most often, we’ve also grown familiar with the consequences that accompany such “overloading.”
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But have you ever felt emotionally over-filled before?
Stressed. Overwhelmed. Heavily burdened. Confused. Overstimulated.
I know I’ve been there, and if you’re honest with yourself, you could probably admit that you’ve been there, too.
As political tension, worldwide hurt, national injustice, relational burdens, and personal responsibilities weigh hefty on our minds (and our hearts), we begin to feel somewhat like that dishwasher—heavy, overloaded, and two seconds away from explosion. But, as believers, we don’t have to live this way.
In 1 Peter 2, Peter reminds his audience—persecuted believers residing in the city of Rome—that they possess manifold privileges in Christ, regardless of external circumstance. One of those privileges, in particular, is security.
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In fact, Peter writes, “he that believeth on him [Christ] shall not be confounded.” To confound means “to cause surprise or confusion in someone especially by acting against their expectations.” So, in other words, Peter is saying that believers will never be confused or disappointed when placing their faith in Christ because He will never act outside of His character.
You see, God will never not be faithful. He will never not be perfect. He will never not be holy. And He will never not be sovereign. Even—and especially—when our circumstances are anything but.
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So, believer, are you feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overburdened today?
Please remember: Though our earthly circumstances might be characterized by uncertainty + insecurity, one of our most foundational spiritual privileges is security itself.
We will never be put to shame by living for and obeying Christ, and because of that, we don’t have to experience the burden of being an overloaded dishwasher.
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