“Fear not.” – Jesus
A.W. Tozer said in his book Knowledge of the Holy, that by a “secret law of the soul” we tend to become like the image of God we carry in our mind and heart. Our internal compass moves us towards our perception of the deity that we behold. Tozer also said that “what comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
This is more profound than we know.
Way back in the Garden, Adam opens his eyes for the very first time, and “sees” the Creator of the Cosmos, his Abba, kneeling over him in loving adoration… awestruck as He beholds His newest Creation.
Adam’s first glimpse was
directly into those loving eyes!!
This is a first glimpse of the Original Gospel . . . Opening the eyes of our heart “for the first time” and seeing – really SEEING – the eternal, unconditional Love of God focused on us. Hallelujah!!
But shortly after this in the Genesis account, the disease of sin and deception infiltrated man and skewed our image of the True God. We could no longer see Abba for who He was, but instead we saw Him and each other through distorted lenses.
This rocketed creation towards disaster.
When our image of God is skewed so that we think of Him as intimidating, angry, and threatening, our souls naturally get filled up with fear, causing us to run and hide behind fig leaves of shame and confusion (like Adam and Eve in the Garden).
This soul-garden of fear and shame produces insecurity, pain and coping mechanisms. It’s a fantastic place for patterns of anger and addictions to thrive, leading towards violence and disharmony.
But if our image of God starts aligning with the vision Jesus came to bring of His Abba, our souls start filling up with His love and we’re able to rest, free to become fully “ourselves,” beloved and adored sons and daughters of our Daddy-King.
This soul-garden of love and life produces humility, health, hope and contentment. It’s a phenomenal place for patterns of holiness and righteousness to thrive, leading towards Shalom and harmony.
“Perfect love casts out all fear, especially fear of Divine Punishment.”
You don’t have to run from God for ANY reason.
You can ALWAYS run TO Him with full assurance that you will be wrapped up in His arms of eternal, unconditional, relentless love.
We become Who we behold. The One Who made us in His own image is the Faithful One who will complete what He has begun… in us, and in His Universe.
We can trust Him with every aspect of our lives.
“You’re forgiven. Welcome home.” – the Prodigal God (Daddy)
Selah.
Tozer, A W. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life. Harrisburg, Pa: Christian Publications, 1961. Print.