Lisa Notes: Lay it down

Lay it down

Have you had to lay anything down lately?

My heart has been heavy this week about giving up something precious to me (perhaps only temporarily?) because I can no longer participate in it in good conscious.

I don’t want to let it go. But I want to stand for what’s right.

So I lay it down.

As God would have it, my daily Bible reading has had me in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ last hours on earth. Oh my.

Anything I lay down is nothing compared to what He laid down for me.

And because He did, I can make my sacrifice (albeit still reluctantly) knowing that anything done for His glory has already been paid for.

Matt Maher elaborates on his song “Lay It Down”:

How amazing it is that when we lay down our lives for God what He gives us is infinitely greater than what we’ve had to sacrifice.

...We lay it down and we celebrate what God has given us. So the laying down isn’t that depressing because what we receive is so much greater.

So I lay my gift at the altar, and I celebrate that He will provide what I need next to show His glory, even though I can’t see it yet.

And I hope.

I’ve been memorizing Romans 8:24-29 the past three weeks, not realizing the specific blessing I would need from them now. Thank you, Father, for laying out gifts before me so I can lay mine down later with more ease. And pick up more of yours. You always outgive me.

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Lay It Down
Matt Maher
LYRICS

Everything I am
Everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet

I lay it down
I lay it down
I lay it down
At Your feet

Oh pearl of greatest price
No act of sacrifice
Can match the gift of life I find within Your gaze
Oh what a sweet exchange
I die to rise again
Lifted up from the grave into Your hands of grace

* * *

Comments (16)

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Debbie · 685 weeks ago

What a beautiful song with such meaningful lyrics! It's hard to lay it down, no matter what it is that seems so important to us. But yes, the Lord often has something far better for us even if we cannot see it now.

I've been learning that these past few years Lisa as I go through unknown territory. I had my life planned out one way and it's far from that now. And yet in the midst of my life, there are days when I look around and find such joy. This usually happens as I find a child at school clinging to me or another taking their hand and turning my chin to their face so I will listen to only them and not another child. It's amazing how God is working in the life of a woman who always desired children but couldn't have them.

Blessings and love,
Debbie
My recent post Let Your Light Shine

2 replies · active 685 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 685 weeks ago

Thank you so much for your encouragement, Debbie. It helps bolster my faith that God always does have a plan, whether I see or understand it, when I see the beauty He's worked in your life and in the lives of others (and in my own past.). In the hard times especially, I need to remind myself often how amazing God is. We walk by faith, not sight.

I continue to see Jesus in you. Thank you for walking in His footsteps so faithfully. You are setting an example that many of us can follow.
Love you too,
Lisa

My recent post Lay it down

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Debbie · 685 weeks ago

Oh Lisa, my desire is that God would be glorified. I am clinging to Him every step of the way. You are also an encouragement to me friend.
My recent post Let Your Light Shine

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Sarah · 685 weeks ago

really like the words to his song. Never heard it but I feel the same way. Thanks Lisa for always inspiring. Have a great weekend.
My recent post Love that Heals

1 reply · active 685 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 685 weeks ago

I like the words, too--so simple, yet full. Hope you have a great weekend too.
My recent post Lay it down

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kimberlyannedwards 12p · 685 weeks ago

Lisa, I'm with you on this. God is certainly in control. We may not like it sometimes... but Father knows best, doesn't he? Happy Saturday, Lisa! =)

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beverleyhirst63 50p · 685 weeks ago

the hardest thing i had to lay down was death - beautiful as usual, thanks.
My recent post a world of not enough

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Stephani Cochran · 685 weeks ago

I too am laying down some things in my life. Today as I was on my knees praying at my couch turned altar, I opened his word to where I had been reading earlier in the day. He led me right to the verse in 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 that reminds us that all things may be permissable, but not all things are good for us. He also talkes about not being a slave to anything. The scripture is in the context of sexual immoraltiy, but I believe it applies to any area of our life where self may have taken a seat on the throne. So I a looking forward to this battle now because God has armed me with a truth that leaves no room for compromise or excuses. Thanks for sharing this Lisa!

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Stephani Cochran · 685 weeks ago

I'm really wishing you had a delete feature on your comments so I could delete and start over! Sorry for all the typos. I need to pause before I hit the "submit" button!

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floyd · 685 weeks ago

Knowing we have something better ahead doesn't always make it easy does it? I'm praying for you and your family, I know you're in the middle of difficult times. May God come to reveal His purpose for you quickly and may you stand firm in Him. You are not alone.
My recent post THE BLURTER AND THE BLABBER MOUTH

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Madonna · 685 weeks ago

I had a post just a little while back about something similar. I don't know if you have ever heard it but another song on that theme is called Laying my Isaac down http://youtu.be/UhpgB9FKwlg. I love to hear it. Today I had to lay down worry not an actual something else but there have been times I was there too. Thanks so much for sharing. Its always so helpful to know that others face the same problems.
My recent post Blessed be the name of the Lord

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Shirley · 685 weeks ago

Beautiful post. And yes, it is hard to leave something we love. But Jesus will be there..to lead and to lean on in the hard times.Even in death He will never forsake! Blessings on you, and thank you for this post!

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Pia · 685 weeks ago

that song spoke straight to my heart. God surely is telling me to surrender everything. thanks for sharing this beautiful song.
My recent post TSMSS - What Faith Can Do

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Debbie · 685 weeks ago

A wonderful word of encouragement for me as I wrestle with something I just need to leave in the Lord's hands...

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Cathy · 685 weeks ago

A beautiful post and song, Dear, thank you. Blessings ~
My recent post Sound of your voice By Third Day

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char72 44p · 685 weeks ago

What you are doing takes a lot of faith. The scriptures you quoted have always meant so much to me. Thank you for sharing your heart. It is an encouragement to me as I know it is to others.
Blessings,
Charlotte
My recent post A Clean Heart