Lent Day 24 - HABITED
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29
When Jesus says ‘learn from me’, the word he uses for ‘learn’ carries connotations of ‘get into the habit of being’.1 Walk by my side and get into the habit of being taught by me.
I regularly, if not frequently, see nuns around and about. They are often in hospitals, sometimes as patients but more often as visitors. Bringing Jesus to bedsides, dressed in a habit.
Nuns are recognisable by their habits. They are habited, which means dressed or clothed, from head to toe.
Walk by my side and get into the habit of being taught by me. Clothed in the teachings of Jesus, from head to toe.
In Matthew 5, Jesus sat down to teach the people. What was the first thing he taught? What true blessing is:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 5:3–10
Habited in the teachings of Jesus, we inhabit them. Clothed in his teaching, from head to toe, we dwell in blessings, and we live them out.
Walk by my side and get into the habit of being taught by me
Look with my eyes. What do you see?
Habited.
Taken from You Say by Emily Owen
You Say contains 101 biblical devotions that explores our true identity as beloved children of God.
It is easy to look at ourselves and just see our failings and imperfections. Yet God looks at us and sees us differently. He sees us positively, as we really are - unconditionally loved and accepted by him.
In You Say, Emily Owen seamlessly weaves together reflections, prayers, personal stories and the encouraging 'voice' of God to help us move away from damaging negative images of ourselves and step into the freedom that understanding our God-given identity brings.
Through Emily's sensitive devotions, God's words speak healing and affirmation to our souls as we are encouraged to see ourselves through God's eyes.
Prayer
Father God, it’s amazing to think that you want to help me learn, to teach me, to walk with me. I am very blessed. Help me to dwell in your blessings, to stay in them, to know them. To be consciously habited in them. Amen.