Jan 15, 2010

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.

I love this place called Hillsdale College. In the first two days of classes, we have already talked about humility, wonder, grace, and sovereignty. At the dinner table, or over our books, friends have discussed glory, mercy, salvation, living the gospel, and the cross. Grace covers my life. I am blown away everytime God makes me stop and remember that this grace I know, this joy and peace, is not only for my good, but for His glory. He shows me mercy so that He will become greater in this world. It is not for me ultimately, but for Him.

Last night during a weekly worship meeting, we sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. I found myself humming it again today, and was struck by the line, "O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be." I am a debtor to grace. I receive unmerited grace every single day. This is amazing mercy when I consider my sinful heart. When I remember that without God's intervention, I am a totally depraved human being, that I am naturally inclined to place all other things above God, I realize that I ought to be in debt to God because of my sin. Yet, God saved me. Christ's righteousness was given to me, and my sin has been paid for. Christ "bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace." (Jordan Kauflin, All I Have is Christ) What a glorious thing it is, that I am a debtor to grace, that I am constrained, that I am compelled, to live in this state.

I pray that God would show me the depths of my sin, and as He convicts me, that I would marvel and find joy in His grace that is poured upon my life for His glory. For, He is Lord. "I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake." (Isaiah 43:25)

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

3 comments:

Julie said...

Sounds like grace is the main theme of your learning this semester. So wonderful. Keep learning and gaining knowledge. I love you immensely. Your blog always brings warmth to my heart.

Anonymous said...

Grace. This is it. This is REAL life.
Mrs. Millen

Anonymous said...

Dear Shan,

Thank you for sharing all that you are learning. I find your example so compelling: you are growing in knowledge AND in grace (for me the pitfall is knowledge and pride). I want to become more like you as I grow up.

Much love,
ea