good morning :)
my sweet MIL (yes, she’s a sweetheart!) got me a simple, cute morning devotional book for christmas. i havent been as faithful in reading them as i should be; but i’ve resolved to put it on my nightstand instead of leaving it on my desk. that way, as soon as i wake i can read it. it only takes a few minutes, and then i will remember to pray, also!
i just had to share this morning’s with you. i woke up feeling horribly lousy. (more on that in my health journal sometime today!) if you read my post earlier yesterday, you know i’m feeling a bit down and out and a bit exhausted from life and the things its been throwing my way lately!
so read on, and i hope it encourages you, too, in anything you’re struggling with—or just to get you thru the monday morning! (especially the morning after the superbowl!)
from Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer
February 4th
Be Secure
I love you fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. PSALM 18:1-2
God can strengthen us to the point that we can make progress even during trouble. The psalmist said of God, “He makes my feet like hind’s feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]…You have girded me with strength for the battle” (Psalm 18:33, 39 emphasis mine).
Trials and testing do not come to causes us to lose stability. They are opportunities to prove the strength of God. We don’t have to waver in our confidence. Nothing will keep us from making progress today because God is our strength.
Crossville, TN this was a beautiful reminder for me, because through my trials i most often tell myself that, “a year from now, i’ll be stronger for all this!” or something to that effect. in the midst of all my coping, i often times forget to bring God into the equation. does this sound familiar in your life, too?
sure, when our darkest days come we finally, weakly might reach out and say, “God, help me!!” but do we recognize him and talk to him on a daily basis, no matter how we are feeling? i know i dont. i know i should.
i need to stop wallowing in my own self-pity and let God do his thang! ;) it’s only by his blessing and strength that i’ve gotten as far as i have in my healing of endometriosis and all this shedding of layers of emotional burden. he’s been working in the background the whole time…while i give myself credit for doing this or that to help myself along.
times like these are the best opportunities to “prove the strength of God.” its the perfect chance to show other people how his love and power can affect a life and be a positive force in healing, change and gratefulness. and its the perfect chance for me to grow closer to him and trust him more.
today i will be secure in the fact that my God is in control and i will trust him to comfort me, care for me, and ground me firmly so that i will have the strength to get through the day…and MAKE PROGRESS at the same time!
~josey~
Something as simple as "Let go and let God" is all the stress relief we need. Sometimes, though, we need to remember it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were reminded!
witchyp, you are so right. and the fact that i tend to over-analyze most EVVerything doesnt help me with slowing down and realizing that i'm not in control, no matter how much i dissect every situation. thanks for your input! (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that with us! I pray He will comfort you in the midst of this trial. What a sweet gift from your MIL!
ReplyDeletethanks, starshine :) i appreciate your prayers! and i also hope you feel encouraged by the scripture =)
ReplyDeletenice post. One thing that I try to remember is that God's plan in my life isn't to make me happy and feel good (although He often does that). His goal is for us to be like Christ (Romans 8)... and that requires a shaping process. Love, grace, mercy, compassion, patience, peace, trust, faithfulness... grow best under stress. :)
ReplyDeletehmmm interesting view, steve. but i'm not surprised coming from a pastor :) in the midst of our struggles we start to feel like its unfair that we're unhappy...but you're right, its that shaping process. (reminds me of Lucado's On the Anvil...LOVE that book.)
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by :) i always appreciate your perspective! (philosophical or not. LOL.)
. o O (seems it never rains in southern californiiaaaa...)