Nathan Hayes: His Acceptance

Learning to Live From Acceptance

One of the ways I’m learning to live more deeply this year is by letting my good works—and even my time with God—flow out of His acceptance of me, just as I am.

I’ve noticed how often I still hide when I don’t feel like I’ve been “good enough for God.” Like Jonah, I pull away in shame, thinking I need to fix myself before coming back.

But God keeps pursuing me—not because of what I have or haven’t done, but simply because He loves me.

When I start by remembering how much Jesus loves me, everything begins to change. I find myself resting instead of striving, delighting in Him instead of trying to earn something from Him.

His love becomes the place I begin, not the place I’m trying to reach.

That rest is showing up in very practical ways. When I’m truly resting in God, I can actually sit still and be silent. I don’t need podcasts or YouTube videos constantly playing to stimulate my mind or distract me. I can sit, feel what’s there, and be okay all at once.

Living deeply, for me, looks less like doing more and more like trusting that I’m already accepted. From that place, my life flows from grace rather than effort.