Welcome friends and family,
It isn't often that I share from my personal journal but maybe, today, it will help someone else. Question. What are you under the influence of?
This morning I needed to go to the store. So much has changed. It really saddens my heart to hear someone speak so negatively. I was verbally attacked in the grocery store...is this the beginning of persecution for us? Such hatred. They are influenced by fearing words. They then, will speak fearing words. It is good to come home again.
The other night I sat to write in my journal and words just poured out from my heart through my pen. Although the subject makes me feel vulnerable I want to honestly just share it. If you will allow me now, here is what I wrote, minus editing.
"August 1...Sabbath Saturday. What kind of crazy person talks about being content when all around her are crazy people wearing masks of confusion & fear?
Well, contentment has been a signpost on much of my journey. A reminder. The what ifs are blown out of proportion like big balloons to bring to a pity party. I want to be content with whatever the Lord allows in my walk with Him.
There are struggles in each of our lives, I know. After 66 plus years of life on this planet it seems they just don't stop showing up alongside of me.
The very place that Jesus should be is beside me...not a spirit of discontent. Or pride or fear. Or pity because I'm thinking the grass is really greener on the other side of the boundaries God has brought me to. I need my Shepherd!
Do I have a sign on my back that reads, all 'friends' allowed? Available at any time?"
I wonder, how are you dealing with the if only disease? Discontentment, we read, began as far back as the Garden. The scenario hasn't changed. Even Jesus was tempted by this in the wilderness.
Remember Martha? She told Jesus, "If only you had been here. Jesus replied, "Did I not tell you that IF you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Ouch...did you hear that balloon pop?
You thought I forgot about the wanderers in the wilderness? God's chosen people. The had the if only disease real bad! They even referred to Egypt as a fond place to remember. Good grief...they were slaves! (Who are you enslaved to)? But, what about the miracles shown there before Pharoah? What about the time God opened the Red Sea for them to walk through? Not to mention, the armies of Pharoah dying that very day!
What is your situation, right now? Are you in pain? Has your spouse been unfaithful? Do you have children running the streets with evil? We all have the if only disease at some point I think.
Where are we to focus? How about starting with Psalm 77. Remember God's ways. His faithfulness. His Holiness.
Verses 11-14 says, "I will [earnestly] recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will [earnestly] remember the wonders [You performed for our fathers] of old. I will meditate also upon all Your works and consider all Your [mighty] deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary [in holiness, away from sin and guilt]. Who is a great God like our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have demonstrated Your power among the peoples."
Wow! This is not rambling is it? This is choosing! Consider, we are given this portion, this circumstance that our faith might be increased. So when our joy is stolen and our hearts become heavy with discontentment, ask God to pop those balloons before a pary happens and you are disabled, under the influence of self pity.
That pity party invitation is to be torn up at the door. Don't even bring it in! Rather, to be content with being uninvited! Oh, I'm speaking life to my own soul today!
After reading all of Psalm 77 did it occur to you that Gods unfailing love vanishes in trouble or does it rise up above it? David began his song having the disease of discontent but soon, charged by his new tune, he remembered what God has done.
That ladies and gentlemen is the key to contentment. Remember the Lord. God bless you and keep you right where He calls you. Letting go of those balloons with raised hands, surrender to God's perfect will. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Abundance is...freedom under His influence