The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.~ Psalm 138:8
I am a very analytical person by nature and sometimes I am my own worst enemy. I beat myself up over not doing the "right thing" all of the time. I set unrealistic expectations and allow my thinking to be thwarted and misconstrued. I begin to condemn myself rather than repent and simply receive God's love and grace. Maybe you can relate?
There is nothing wrong with seeking righteousness, but I must guard my heart against self-righteousness. I must rebuke the thinking that I have to be perfect. Yes, God tells me to be holy;to live a life that is set apart, but for His glory and for my good. He is not expecting me to be perfect, but to long for His righteousness.
He wants me to trust Him with all that is me, the good and the needs improvement pieces. He wants me to trust Him to perfect that which concerns me. He just wants me to continue to yield to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to transform me. Guilt is not what He desires for me because He is merciful and kind. Guilt is a trick of the enemy.
I am the work of His hands and He will never leave me nor forsake. The enemy wants me spinning my wheels, beating myself up, operating in false humility, and trapped by pride. He wants me to feel defeated. He wants me stop moving forward in Christ and to give up.
But I am a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)and MY Father just wants to hold me and say that it is okay. " Slow down. You don't need to leap, just take life one step at a time. I will get you where I need you to be. Relax. Breather. Trust me." ( Psalm 46:10)
Father I thank You for your word that reminds me to be encouraged and to trust You. Thank you for allowing me to cast my cares and concerns upon your shoulders. Let me not seek to live a life or "perfection", but rather one of excellence that seeks to please only You. May I take one day at a time and rest in the knowledge that You will guide me on my journey and take me where I should go. Let me not fret, but trust. In Jesus name. Amen.
Amen...Jennifer, my sister in Christ...please know that you are not alone in your thoughts and prayers. I, and I suspect MANY others struggle in this area. This is because we are ALL sinners who are saved by His grace and mercy. Our Father is oh so loving to all of His
ReplyDeletechildren. Especially when we show Him how sincerely we seek Him in every aspect of our lives. It is us/we who struggle to forgive our selves for being “human”. I am glad to hear that through your personal study of His Word.. you are giving yourself a break. I’ve said this before and I will repeat...you, my dear sister in Christ, are a blessing to many...and a phenomenal woman of God. Stay encouraged sister...in Jesus name I pray, amen ��
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and prayers. It is so good to know that we are not on this journey alone. God continue to bless you and keep you.
DeleteSo glad to see that you are back! I look forward every day to your inspiration through your words. As Beverly stated, your are a blessing! A woman after God's heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy. I am glad to be here.
DeleteIve missed your blog. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure and I am grateful to be able to continue to blog and share the things that God has shown me to others. I pray that it helps others to grow in Christ as well.
DeleteIve missed your blog. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteI have missed your blog too, Jennifer❣️Your words are so inspiring and I look forward to reading what God has given you to speak to our hearts. Thank you for sharing with us. May God continue to bless you and speak through you❣️Have a blessed day❣️
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Louanne. I enjoy blogging and sharing what God has laid on my heart. It is encouraging to know that it blesses others too. May He always be glorified.
DeleteLove reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Stephanie.
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