"You did not choose me, remmber; I chose you."

-John 15:16 (emphasis mine)

Today I woke up and faced a battle. I was tempted to give in to discouragement, doubt, failure. As I tried to get myself ready for the day I had this cloud of negative feelings surrounding me. But! God in His grace allowed me to stay back from class (it was an optional activity that we could do in class or on our own) and I went down to the prayer room to spend some time with him.

The first question I asked Him was

"What do you want from me, God?"

Even as I voiced this question I felt my relgious mask peeling off.

I got real before the Lord.

And do you know what His response was?

"Nothing."

At that moment, God allowed me to close my eyes and sleep on the couch in the prayer room.

He allowed me to simply rest in His presence.

When I woke up God lead me to Luke 11

As I sat reading the verses the morning light filtered through the window,
and a bird's melody made it's way to my ears.

"Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description,

carefree in the care of God. And you count far more."

- Luke 11:24(MSG)

As I read these words and listened to the birds singing sweetly outside the prayer room all that discouragement, doubt, and depression melted away. I was reminded that I do not need to do anything in order to experience God's pleasure. Like a bird, I can sing Him praises and bask in the knowledge that He cares for me.

After all - He chose me.

. . . Not the other way around.

I love the way Josiah Conder puts it...

Receive His love today. Sing a song. Dance with joy. Smile to yourself, knowing God sees.

He chose you to be his beloved child, enjoy His love!