Makenzi Ryanne: March 2010

Monday, March 8, 2010

ψυχή

I promise not to make all of my blog posts about Greek or Hebrew words, but it's just so fascinating to me!! T:he past few days John 15:13 has been playing again and again in my head. It's a well-known verse that I've never given much thought to, so last night I decided to study it.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends." John 15:13

I've always thought of this verse in terms of Christ's sacrifice for us. Ya, ya, Christ died for us. There is no greater love and we are His friends. I don't mean to downplay this incredible truth (I know I sound like I'm mocking it), but we've all been there!! We all take Christ's sacrificial love for granted at times as it becomes "old." This is unfortunate but true all the same. ANYWAY. As I was saying, this verse was ringing in my ears allll weekend, and I had to ask, "why?" I didn't think God was telling me I was about to have to jump in front of a car for someone or anything. Trying to discover why this was being pressed upon my heart, I sought what the Greek had to say about it. Here's what I found...

ψυχή- [noun] the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)

This was so revolutionary to me! Christ says that the BEST way to show agape love towards a friend is to lay down their desires, affections, heart, and soul for them. We are called to pour our lives onto others, but He will not leave us empty! For he "will pour out my Spirit on all flesh" (Acts 2:17). David wrote beautifully, "He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul... You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." (Psalm 23:2-3,5) We pour ourselves upon others, and He promises to pour himself onto us. Brooke Fraser describes it perfectly in Desert Song.

"This is my song in the harvest, when favor and providence flow. I know I'm filled to be emptied again. This seed I've received I will sow."

The question is, when are we pouring ourselves out to an unhealthy extent? Or is there such an extent as long as we are also spending daily time soaking up the presence of God and letting him fill our cup and restore our soul? I'm not quite sure. I think society and even the church tells us we can only pour so much of ourselves out, but what is the truth? I value your thoughts!!

Blessings,
Makenzi

Saturday, March 6, 2010

בטח

Allow me to continue my thoughts on trust. God is teaching me so much about trust that it's only right for me to be writing about it! Last time I talked about the Greek concept of trust. Today I'm going to talk about the Hebrew concept...

Isaiah 26:3 says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Breaking down this verse is beautiful every step along the way, but I'm going to focus on the word trust.

בטח- [verb] to attach oneself, to confide in, feel safe, be confident, secure

Want perfect peace? CLING TO HIM! I absolutely love that it says to attach oneself. I picture a young child clinging to his parent while the parents arms hold him. In the arms of a parent, the child feels safe, confident, secure. That's really all I have to say today, but I'd like to leave you with this picture... Blessings friends!