TAG - You're it!
Do you remember that game? No matter where you are in the world, surely there is some version of the game of tag. I distinctly remember the feeling of being chased and running as fast as my feet would carry me. Heart pounding, eyes wide open, hair wild and the sounds of my screeching laughter echoing the neighborhood.
I thought of this game this morning as I was walking my dog and quietly singing “The Goodness of God” by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson. The chorus says:
“Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me.
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give you everything
Cause your goodness is running after
It’s running after me”
For a long time, it seems as though I was playing tag with God. He was running after me. He was helping me, saving me and loving me and I just kept running away. He’d catch my attention briefly, then off I would go again. After far too many years of doing it my way, the wrong way... I finally stopped. I wasn’t blind all that time, I was stubborn. The time had come to let God tag me in.
God patiently pursued me all along and it was time to stop and acknowledge the truth before it was too late. His way is the ONLY way. I stopped long enough to see him for who he truly is. I dared to allow him into my heart and my world has been forever changed since.
I laid down my life the day I chose to get baptized.
I have completely surrendered.
Insert deep breath… This is what freedom feels like.
Friend, no matter where you are in your faith journey, pause to make sure you are not in a game of tag with God. If you have been, let him tag you in! Instead of running, offer him your hand. Let him lead you through your situation and then the rest of your life. Just as in the days of Noah, one day... it will be too late.
Don’t run from him when he gives you an assignment. Don’t run from him when he offers discipline or a change in direction. Don’t run from him when it seems he is silent or wants you to wait. His goodness is running after you. Surrender and experience his continued goodness! (Psalm 145:9)
As I continue to listen to this song, another part stirs my soul:
“All my life you have been faithful
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing, of the goodness of God”
He IS faithful. Sing of his goodness today! Thank him for never giving up on you. He loves you above and beyond! He has amazing things in store for you. Sit with him today and ask him to reveal his purpose, his plan and his love to you. He will continue to amaze you with his goodness, if only you let him.
I have attached the song for you to listen to. Dare to sing it, to feel it and to KNOW it is true! Stay encouraged!
Ezekiel 34:11 - "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them."
