Morning
“The truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT
Long before I became a Christian, I was living in Beijing, 19 years old, trying to find my identity in this fierce world. One day, I read a phrase somewhere, not in the Bible but in Chinese: “真理只会让你自由” (“The truth will set you free”).
The first time I read it, it felt like a laser beam shot through my chest, tattooing it onto my heart. One day, I want to get a tattoo, and this phrase will be the one I choose.
I didn’t even know it was from the Bible, but I was captivated by it. My heart longed for the truth, and my soul wanted to be free. Since then, God has been noticeably planting Christian elements in my life, eventually leading me to America, where I found Jesus. It took 15 years for this plan to unfold.
It’s surreal to look back and see how my faith journey was ignited by a few words from God in a place where no one talks about faith, only money. In a place where very few people even know Jesus, God still found me and guided me. And most assuring and honored is that, he is truly with me every step of the way no matter I feel him or not, and he will always be. And my life is the proof.
“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 NLT
Afternoon
Lori shared something about constantly “expecting something from everyone,” which touched me deeply today. This constant expectation has driven me into the ground many times, leaving me with only a broken heart and feelings of resentment.
Even now:
What makes me constantly check my phone?
How do I end up buying more new clothes when I already have plenty?
Why does disappointment feel like the end of the world?
……
I have realized that all of these issues stem from my constant expectation of good things happening all the time.
This also ties back to the “entitlement/you deserve it” trend I see on social media.
Now I understand why: we are all created in God’s PERFECT LOVE, so of course we feel a deep sense of lack in this IMPERFECT WORLD, which often leads us to expect more.
And like Lori said, seeking perfect happiness on earth is like expecting a sirloin steak from McDonald’s.
I am thankful beyond words that I found God, for without Him, I wouldn’t know how to navigate life. O Lord, You alone are the source of true happiness and the answer to my deepest needs.
By releasing my expectations from this world, I’ve liberated myself from the burden of holding others accountable for fulfilling my desires (which often frustrates them as well) and freed myself from constant disappointment. Instead of resentment, I now feel compassion towards them.
Only God can transform a heart like mine. I am so out of words to express how grateful I am to be a child of God.