If I allow myself I will become overwhelmed by things of this world. Some things that are out of my control (and some things that stem from my own disobedience) but, I believe if I am faithful to look to God for guidance and forgiveness He will protect me. In these times of frustration I am thankful that I can just come to Him broken and He helps me in my weakness. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26 I'm comforted knowing that He is my best friend, that He understands the groans of my heart better than I do....that He is willing to intercede on my behalf when I am exhausted and don't know what to pray for.
When I am confused and don't trust myself, I take comfort in knowing that my Savior is near. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18 As I told you before this is journey into freedom. I am old enough and wise enough to realize that every road worth traveling has it rough patches, but I brought you along. I will be transparent in my joys and my heartbreaks.
It is still my belief that my frustrations are an opportunity to bring me closer to my Father. Every time I think of the obstacles I am trying to overcome I am reminded to turn it over to God. "Evening and morning and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice." Psalm 55: 17 "I may grow weary from my many wanderings, but I will not say "It is useless." because He will rekindle my desire and I will not weaken." Isaiah 57:10. Even as I type this verse I am reminded of my hearts desire...simply to know Him more be closer to Him..."Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
What better time to seek Him than during times of difficulty. I am richly blessed and find it easy to praise Him when things are easy, but what about the difficult times? Do I praise Him and give Him thanks for these times as well? YES!! I choose to be thankful in all things because the "God of hope has filled me with all joy and peace, so that as I trust in Him, I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 I will look for God in the midst of painful situations and use them to become the person that He wants me to be. I've heard it said that "sometimes God calms the storm; and other times, He lets the storm rage and calms the soul." Whatever the situation I will praise Him....even in the storm. "I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands : For You are who You are, no matter where I am." Casting Crowns "I will praise You, O lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:12
Until next time...
4 comments:
Life gets shaky when our foundation is weak.If our foundation does not include the elements of faith, hope, love and reverence for God and respect for man we are sure to see our life collapse and fall under the weight of weakness.
Great entry Cindy! Thanks for spreading your love for God!!!
I'm not sure what kind of trials and tribulations you are going through or have in your life. But, if we look to God for guidance and are one with him he will direct our paths.
"I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoevers slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also"(Matt. 5:39)
This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian. When you are insulted, you must NOT only NOT resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. And, you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus--it's either in you or it's not.
"If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine..."(John 7:17)
If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life.
Spiritual darkness is the result of something I do not intend to obey.
Jesus said,"If you bring your gift to the alter, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the alter, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift"(Matt.5:23-24)
He is saying in essence,"Don't say another word to me;first be obedient by making things right."
Disillusionment means having no more misconceptions, false impressions, and false judgements in life. Disillusionment that comes from God brings us to the point where we see people as they really are, yet without any cynicism or any stinging and bitter criticism. Many of the things in life that inflict the greatest injury, grief, or pain, stem from the fact that we suffer from illusions. Many times we are not true to one another, we are only true to our misconceived ideas of one another. If we will quit seeing people as we want them to be and see them as God sees them we will never be disappointed.
As misused as it is; if we truly ask ourselves "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO" we would have our answers to every situation life can throw at us.
We can use our own interpretation of scripture to cover anything we do or want to do. But, it is sometimes not God's way.
Ultimately we only have to answer to him in the end.
Thank you for your comments anonymous! Not to sound coy, but "not knowing" who you are it is hard to respond to you.
I will say that I don't ever ask myself "what would Jesus do?". I think it is a preposterous question for any human to ask...Christian or not. He was/is blameless and sinless. I, on the other hand, am a mere sinner saved by grace. The better question is what would Jesus have "me" do? Others may or may not like the answer He gives me to my question, but that is just it....it is my answer, to my question. I'm sure your answer is different as is your question.
As for interpretations of scripture...they are just that. They are my interpretations. I don't claim to be a saint or a biblical scholar. This is my journey...I will stumble, sometimes I may even fall, but "I" am trying.
Thanks again for your insight....
Oh yes, I forgot to mention it earlier. I LOVE Oswald Chambers too! Something we have in common! I hope you are having a great day. L'ya! Cindy
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