By: Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Today's passage
"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."
Reflect
-What healing touch do I need from the Lord?
-Can I envision a time when I will be entirely free from the bondage of sin?
-What do I imagine that kind of exhilarating joy and freedom feel like?
Although Malachi is referring to a time when we will be free from all sin for eternity, God gives us glimpses of such freedom in the here and now. Handing over our hearts, minds, and souls to God, relinquishing control and surrendering to Him, and putting our whole lives into His hands allows us a breath of that peace, joy, and freedom. Like the healing warmth of the sun's rays, God wraps us in His warm embrace and willingly takes our burdens from us. We simply need to allow Him in.
Respond
Ask for Change: Lord, You know that it's difficult sometimes for me to hand over my burdens. Help me open my heart fully to You so that You may begin to heal me fully.
Consider what's real: Choose today or another day this week to allow yourself to rest fully in God. That might mean doing absolutely nothing for the day and releasing yourself from your normal duties and responsibilities. Or it might mean allowing yourself to indulge in a creative or outdoor activity that you enjoy but don't experience very often. Let God guide your day, and allow it to unfold as He wishes. In this place of rest, ask Him to heal your heart and breathe new life into your weary spirit.
Additional verses to consider: Matthew 11:28
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