From Tiffany

“And I don’t see my brokenness anymore when I’m seated at the table of the Lord”

Far too often, feelings of worthlessness and dejection that come from past mistakes and choices often weigh us down so that we cannot feel or even see true joy. What does it mean to shed those heavy burdens and accept a life of unity with Christ? Seeing the love of a Savior who gave His life for all of those sins can be a hard thing to grasp. Sometimes I overlook the fact that this was His purpose. From the beginning, He was destined to be the One to save us. Christ was created to be our Savior, our Mediator, to walk with us, or carry us when the time comes. Through repentance we have redemption in Christ. Even when we are so burdened down with shame and guilt of our past, if we repent we are redeemed and carried to our King’s table.

The word repent is often associated with brimstone and fire, “Repent or you’re going to hell!” The true meaning of repent is actually far more beautiful and is not commonly grasped by the world. The definition of repent is this: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life, to feel regret or contrition, or to change one’s mind. In light of this, repentance is not something to be dreaded; instead it should be embraced and welcomed. It is where we are able to shed the old man and put on the new one. Repentance is an opportunity to be renewed and filled. “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22)

In the Hebrew language, repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nicham (to feel sorrow). When I started studying the word repent, the meaning of the word shuv, to return, became so profound. Repentance isn’t about constantly being reminded of things of the past; instead it is the act of shedding those burdens and returning to the One who gave us life. In this process, nicham, meaning “to feel sorrow,” is present right before the relief of being free. We are given the opportunity to return, as the prodigal son; turning away from the former life, the old wineskin, and accepting a new one ready to be filled to the brim with His spirit and peace.

This song, Carried to the Table by Leeland, gives such a great visual of the love of Christ and how He carries us and redeems us, even when we are too weak to walk. Enjoy.

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me