It’s not just that God is outside of time, but that time is inside of God. Let’s delve into a topic that might just scramble our brains a bit—a concept that urges a shift from the idea of original sin to embracing our original design in Christ. Original innocence. This idea pushes us to reconsider what it truly means to be found in Christ.

Genesis chapter two culminates with a powerful statement about the man and the woman’s original design in God, “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” We were created to be naked and unashamed.

Let’s make some observations about who God is and who we are by exploring the two trees in the Garden of Eden. What does it mean to live from the Tree of Life? Is there a tree of death in there? How can shifting perspectives about SOURCE lead us to occupy our true selves and find freedom in Christ?

Living as true images of God rather than the impressions of people and circumstances is easier said than done. Remember Silly Putty? You smash it onto a newspaper cartoon strip, peel it away, and notice the impression of the cartoon goes with it! Not just one Garfield, but two! We may be showing our age with this story, but it’s a lot like how life works. We get smashed by people and events and they leave an impression that we take with us. These impressions can be both subtle and insidious but recognizing them is the first step to overcoming them.

Welcome to the Settled Podcast blog, where we, Jason and Elizabeth Settle, dive deep into what it means to occupy your true self in Christ through personal stories and shared wisdom.

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Emotional Health

One day, after telling a group of people about a personal struggle, I felt very anxious. I couldn’t figure out what was going on, so I asked the Lord, “Why am I feeling this way?” I became still, and He showed me, “You are feeling vulnerable, not anxious.” Immediately, it made sense! I told a very personal story and I felt exposed. In response to this revelation, I asked God to cover me. Immediately, I sensed His peace descend like a guard over my heart and mind. I gave him my anxiety (a symptom of vulnerability) and He gave me His peace.