"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (ESV)
The day I first asked Jesus into my heart was like no other. It was a warm summer night where the air was crisp, but the temperatures still soared into the mid-80s. Waiting for my dad to get off second shift, I stayed up late into the evening. By midnight, he'd made his way home and we settled into a routine round of Ratchet and Clank on the PlayStation.
Around 2:30 that morning, the best moment of my time spent with my dad wasn't winning the battle on the screen, but conquering the battle in my heart. Dad asked me if I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart, and when I said yes, I could barely contain the excitement. I still remember asking him: "Should I wait until morning to tell Mom?" But he urged me to burst into the room and wake her up, encouraging she definitely wouldn't be mad.
The next day, I sat in the church pews bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I don't know how eight-year-old me used to function on so little sleep, but I did. When my mom announced to the congregation that I got saved, praises erupted in loud shouts and the clapping of hands. I'd accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord.
But as I think back on that moment as a now 29-year-old woman, I realize that much has changed since I got saved that sweet summer evening. While my faith is still ever-developing and my fellowship with the Lord grows sweeter day by day, I have to confess: The path hasn't been easy.
Since getting saved, I've faced immense trauma, abuse, and mental and physical health struggles. Like many other kids who get saved young, I've realized that loving Jesus doesn't prevent bad things from happening to good people. But having Jesus as my Savior and Lord means I have the strength to keep going.
In some ways, I wish I could possess the wide-eyed wonder of faith I had as a child. It seemed so easy to believe in God, pray, and receive. Yet, as I've grown older, I've become accustomed to noticing the bleak harshness of this world that's not yet our home. I'm often wearied, worn, and exhausted, and left wondering if anyone else feels this way.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I believe that He was born as a baby, lived 33 years on earth, and was crucified for my sins. I confess that I am a sinner and need Him to purify me and make me whole. I know there is no other way to heaven, and it's by a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus that I am saved and will inherit an eternal life I don't deserve. I've known that since I got saved, and it's remained true now. Admitting that Jesus is your Savior requires us to humble ourselves and our need for someone beyond ourselves. But declaring Jesus as your Lord is a bit more tricky.
If you got saved as a child, like me, I think understanding that Jesus is your Lord sounds fun and easy. Someone else is in charge of your life, tells you what to do, instructs you where to go, and leads, guides, and directs clearly. Talk about a built-in GPS! The older I've grown, however, I've realized that making Jesus my Lord is something I need to recommit to over and over again (sometimes even daily). Why?
Many of us declare Jesus our Lord, but our lives poorly reflect that declaration. And I don't think it's on purpose either. Before we know it, we've outgrown not only childhood but adolescence and young adulthood. Adulting is a lot less amazing than we thought it would be, and we're shocked at how often we think we're in control, but really aren't.
If you're struggling to make Jesus the Lord of your life today, please know you're not alone. I'm learning to redefine my relationship with Him because I know I make other things Lord more often than I'd like to admit (even unintentionally). But friends, might I encourage you to ask yourself and God a few questions?
Ask God to help you evaluate your priorities. Ask God who is really in charge of your life. Have you fully submitted and surrendered your dreams and desires wholly to Him? Are you okay with letting God lead your life?
While the answers to these questions may be difficult, they are eye-opening, encouraging, and honest. As we seek the Lord in prayer today, bring these requests to Him fully unashamed and ready to receive. Jesus wants to be your Savior and Lord because He loves you, not because He's ready to strike judgment on those who stumble and mess up along the way.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
You see my life, and you know my struggles. Only you, Father, know if I've made you my Savior and my Lord. Today, I recommit my life to you. I ask you to not only save me from my sins but to take charge of every part of my life. Nothing is hidden from you, and you're in control. Help me to talk to you openly and honestly. Please forgive my sins and change my life. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Boonyachoat
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
Anxiety is debilitating and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and defeated. But what if there were practical steps and biblical truths that could lessen the load and aid us in our freedom journeys with mental health struggles? Pastor and Licensed Professional Counselor Susan Thomas joins me to discuss this today! Like what you hear? Subscribe to Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Monday, 17 February 2025.
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