In Christ you are not alone

By Derick Cranston
Posted 6/3/21

“None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master … both in life and in death we are the Lord’s,” St. Paul writes.   He is implying our lives do …

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In Christ you are not alone

Posted

“None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master … both in life and in death we are the Lord’s,” St. Paul writes.  He is implying our lives do not belong to us, and there is a certain freedom in knowing that. And what possible freedom could this be?

Some may think surrendering ownership of our life it is like being a slave. A slave is forced to submit to oppressive commands and constantly lives in fear of being punished. A slave does not have any say on how he or she wants to live their life. But that is not what it means to surrender your life to the Lord. 

Christ does not tell us that he is our master, and we are his subjects. Instead, he portrays himself as a shepherd saying, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me.” That is where the freedom is found. No matter what mistakes, errors or bad judgements we make, we know that we always have a loving shepherd who will protect and lead us if we follow him.

Life is not all about having wonderful friends, cute kids, fancy homes, nice cars and white picket fences. Life is working long hours, fighting through struggles, hospital stays, paying bills and trying to keep it all together. But you do not have to do it all on your own. Christ the Good Shepherd is there waiting to take over and lead you to greener pastures.

Though you walk through the valley of darkness, as the psalm goes, you do not have to fear evil for his rod and staff will comfort you. In his love for you he will set a table of plenty before you; when you let his love enter your heart, your cup will overflow.  

Yes, you may still experience fear and trepidation even if the Lord is watching over you. Struggles and setbacks may make it seem like your cup is certainly not overflowing. What it does do though, is give meaning and purpose to the suffering and hardships you experience throughout your life. 

Your purpose in life is found in the ultimate destination where the Lord is leading you. A greater meaning can emerge from life’s confusion and setbacks when you give it up to the Lord. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord for endless days.