I haven't been hit over the head or knocked over by a tidal wave rather "it" has been a soft and gradual understanding of where I am in life. I am happy. My state of mind is characterized by Christ.
Not long ago my pastor preached on the Things That Are v The Things That Aren't and I realized that I had been dwelling on the things that aren't for so long that I created a roadblock for myself. It was an impressive roadblock with lots of flashing lights, barriers, and signs. I could clearly see the other side of the road and more than anything I wanted to keep moving forward but I was stuck. Stuck in the mud. Trudging daily and growing increasingly frustrated. There were days when I was successful in tearing down some of the "wrong way" signs and moving barriers but I could only get so far on my own strength. Deep down I knew that I would not find complete contentment and satisfaction without getting rid of all the piled up mess in the road. Through circumstance - through His patience and teaching - I have come to see that my way out....my detour.....is His grace and His love for me.
As time goes on I see more and more of the Things That Are and not so much of the pesky things that aren't. It is a learning process and I'm certain there will be days perhaps weeks of back-pedaling but at least I now know the steps to take. I rest in His Sovereignty which provides me with contentment. I rest in His Strength which affords me peace and joy. I rest in His Grace and relish in the love surrounding me. I rest in His Widsom which lends me pleasure. God giveth and taketh away and sometimes the taking away part, despite how painful or humiliating or disappointing, is exactly what we need to truly see Him for who He really is and all that He has to offer. Happiness is not found in relationships, possessions, money, or security blankets rather it is found in living life for Him. True inner joy is being filled with peace and fueled by faith. Joy for me is found in serving others and I am praying He will provide me with the opportunity of making it a lifelong endeavor.
I have finally realized that confidence and security come from the knowledge that He has chosen me. It doesn't matter what others see or don't see in me - it matters only what HE sees in me. He recognized the beauty and potential in me before long before I was formed in the womb and has since been pushing, molding, and guiding me to become more like Him. I have been set apart for a purpose. I have been specifically chosen by Him to be an ambassador for Christ. That is a big responsibility and a privilage! This knowledge in and of itself is what fuels by inner joy.
As I look back over the past couple of months I see a bunch of potholes, barriers, and signs but then I see how far I've come and all I can say is God is good. Thank you Lord for all the Things That Are for I am richly blessed. Thank you for being my Shepherd.
Not long ago my pastor preached on the Things That Are v The Things That Aren't and I realized that I had been dwelling on the things that aren't for so long that I created a roadblock for myself. It was an impressive roadblock with lots of flashing lights, barriers, and signs. I could clearly see the other side of the road and more than anything I wanted to keep moving forward but I was stuck. Stuck in the mud. Trudging daily and growing increasingly frustrated. There were days when I was successful in tearing down some of the "wrong way" signs and moving barriers but I could only get so far on my own strength. Deep down I knew that I would not find complete contentment and satisfaction without getting rid of all the piled up mess in the road. Through circumstance - through His patience and teaching - I have come to see that my way out....my detour.....is His grace and His love for me.
As time goes on I see more and more of the Things That Are and not so much of the pesky things that aren't. It is a learning process and I'm certain there will be days perhaps weeks of back-pedaling but at least I now know the steps to take. I rest in His Sovereignty which provides me with contentment. I rest in His Strength which affords me peace and joy. I rest in His Grace and relish in the love surrounding me. I rest in His Widsom which lends me pleasure. God giveth and taketh away and sometimes the taking away part, despite how painful or humiliating or disappointing, is exactly what we need to truly see Him for who He really is and all that He has to offer. Happiness is not found in relationships, possessions, money, or security blankets rather it is found in living life for Him. True inner joy is being filled with peace and fueled by faith. Joy for me is found in serving others and I am praying He will provide me with the opportunity of making it a lifelong endeavor.
I have finally realized that confidence and security come from the knowledge that He has chosen me. It doesn't matter what others see or don't see in me - it matters only what HE sees in me. He recognized the beauty and potential in me before long before I was formed in the womb and has since been pushing, molding, and guiding me to become more like Him. I have been set apart for a purpose. I have been specifically chosen by Him to be an ambassador for Christ. That is a big responsibility and a privilage! This knowledge in and of itself is what fuels by inner joy.
As I look back over the past couple of months I see a bunch of potholes, barriers, and signs but then I see how far I've come and all I can say is God is good. Thank you Lord for all the Things That Are for I am richly blessed. Thank you for being my Shepherd.
