THINGS THAT MATTER

The world is falling down around us, our economy has run amuck, politicians (left and right) have only their agendas in mind, everyone is looking out for their own interests, myself included sadly more than I'd like to admit.  But is this the way that Christ would have us live? Would He want us so absorbed in Facebook, community forums, the hustle and bustle of life, our OWN problems, that we become apathetic and cold to those around us? Of course not!  It is against the very essence of who HE is.  Yet I do this daily.  Daily I worry about the next thing on the agenda, the next customer that sits at my desk, what I will do when I leave work, what I will do for supper, what am I going to do this weekend, and how I failed last week.  I get consumed with my own shortcomings and allow myself to get defeated, and bogged down with feelings of worthlessness and shame.  And for what?  It's a waste of energy, a waste of time, a hopeless battle, a LIE straight from the pits of hell.  I AM SPECIAL, I AM IMPORTANT, AND I AM VALIDATED IN CHRIST.  I'm coming to learn that all these things I've been told all my life are TRUE! Imagine that...I DON'T NEED ANYONE ELSE, BECAUSE I HAVE JESUS!! Life, even at it's worst, is worth living, BECAUSE I HAVE JESUS!  Faith.  It's hard.  As I age though, and look back on the times I felt so unworthy, or in so much emotional trauma that I didn't want to go on....GOD HAD A PLAN.  As I look back, I can see God's handiwork, and where it's brought me.  The future is uncertain, and scary.  If I allow myself to dwell on it, it's terrifying.  BUT JESUS!!!!  I have to look where I've come from, and what I've come through....and have FAITH that since God has shown me, how all that worked out for His glory, He can be trusted for the future.  He's BIG ENOUGH! He is unchanging, He is my Daddy, my ABBA!  Though at times I feel alone in this world, even sometimes in the midst of those that claim the cross of Christ...I WILL cling to my Lord.  An act of the will, not a feeling or emotion. DETERMINATION to finish the race and ultimately hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  NOTHING else matters!

"...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry 'Abba father.' " Romans 8:14-15
"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.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8: 26-27

"Make peace with God and make peace with yourself, 'cuz in the end there's nobody else." (How You Live Point of Grace)

Father thank you for all you are teaching me.  Thank you for your Spirit inside me.  I am so unworthy, but you see me through the blood of Jesus, a princess....your child.  I am humbled by your love, and desire in my heart to please you.  Thank you for all you will do today, and please help me recognize opportunities when they come, and to obey that still small voice.