Until We Believe, We Will Sing

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Galatians 2:20a

It is my conviction that when we believe this verse, our lives will become clear, and the peace of God will be ours. While I claim to believe, the evidence of my life often proves otherwise. If I believe the God of the universe lives inside of me, why do I try to achieve everything in my own strength? Why do I place such value in temporal things? To use Pastor Tyler’s example from a few weeks back, why do I treat Jesus like an old man in a rocking chair whom I visit occasionally to make him smile, but who otherwise bears no power or weight in my day-to-day life?

I’m a new creation, having been saved by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. When God sees me, He sees His Son. Yet I hold on to the temporal, the earthly, the self. I would rather live a lonely life, perceiving control over a small pile of bricks in the mud and living exposed to harsh elements than dwell in the house of the good Father, living out who I was created to be. How frustrating this must be to God!

This is why we are not only saved by God but sanctified by His Spirit, which is a process of becoming who God created and saved us to be. In essence, it’s darkness becoming light. The lies we hold on to are eclipsed by truth as we are changed.

Today I want to remind myself and you of this truth, and say this: Give in. Give up. You’re not called to make yourself clean and work your way to God, but simply to believe. Stop fighting, stop working, and go to Jesus who said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The new song below is simple in it’s truth, and at first glance you might think “Why don’t we sing something deeper?” Until we believe, we will sing this simple truth. (To be honest, after we believe we’ll continue to sing it, from grateful hearts who know peace). Don’t move quickly past this, but pray that it would become your reality.

To Know Your Name
Words and Lyrics by Matt Crocker

The precious blood of Jesus Christ redeems
Forgiven I’m alive restored set free
Your majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe
Forever I believe

Arrested by your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit, led by Your word
Your love will never fail
Your love will never fail

‘Cause I know you gave the world Your only Son for us
To know your name, to live within the Savior’s love
And He took my place, knowing he’d be crucified
And you loved, you loved a people undeserving

I first hear this song at the Verge 2010 Conference in Austin, Texas. Worship leader Aaron Ivey and his band did a fanastic job leading, below is a video of the song from their Sunday service at Austin Stone Community Church.