January 23

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. — 2 Cor 12:2 BSB

It is a great deliverance to lose oneself. Self-consciousness is a heavy burden, and it’s easy to become wrapped up in our spiritual struggles. Nothing makes us more inwardly focused than suffering, and we may even turn our prayers into constant rehearsals of our misery, asking God to relieve it. But sometimes, instead of focusing on our burdens, we need to let go and entrust ourselves fully to God’s loving care. When we do, we experience freedom and rise into the blessed liberty of His will, love, and care for others.

Letting go of ourselves lifts us to a higher place, relieving us of the very thing that hurts. Praying for others and for the world brings its own reward, leaving a blessing on our hearts, like the fertile soil left behind by the Nile’s waters.