His Righteousness

This weekly offering has become a sacred rhythm of my life. Like keeping a travel journal or picture album re-marking the milestones of heart beats and soul rescues. As far as I can tell, it has not resulted in any far-reaching influence, and that is fine, since it remains a simple act of obedience. Father planted the idea and encouraged the machinations, and I told Him I would. Now I find that it is an elemental part of my relationship with Him, a sabbath expression of faith. I say “sabbath” because it is unique and set apart and only encountered every seventh day. I say “expression of faith” because it always requires His grace and power to accomplish. I trust Him to do with it as He wills.

There is truly nothing that you and I do apart from the word of His power, which holds all things together. (Hebrews 1:3) Even those who have not yet met Him and embraced Him with believing hearts, draw each breath according to His will. And we who do believe have been made righteous by His grace through faith, His own gift to us. (Ephesians 2:8)

Noah was a righteous man because He walked with God. (Genesis 6:9) “‘Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.'” (Genesis 7:1 ESV) Abraham was credited with righteousness because He believed God. “‘And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.'” (Genesis 15:6 ESV) There is not space enough here to dig deeply into Scripture regarding this right-standing with God, but I think we can say that righteousness is something God sees, defines and bestows. From His holiness, it is the way He sees things.

When we are in a right relationship with God, we have His perspective. We see and act righteously when we have exchanged our wrong perspective for His. One of the ways I find my own view of things adjusted is reminding my soul that He is always on the throne. This is simultaneously freeing and comforting. I am free from responsibility that is only God’s, and I am comforted because He is both good and powerful. I’m glad He is God, and I am not.

Dear One, are there situations and circumstances in your life where you need to acknowledge that He is on the throne? How might you be free to thrive and safe in His kind intention? Lift up your eyes and look to where your help comes from. (Psalm 121)

Until next week, beloved, stand firm in His righteousness.