We have all had days, weeks even months and years that we wish we could do-over and rewrite the way we have handled life. There's no doubt that we will have struggles and trials in this life but what really counts is how we react in those times. When you are faced with extremely difficult circumstances, deeply rooted pain, or a crushed spirit, it is so easy to fall into depression, self pity, and bitterness.
Proverbs 18:14
The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
The good news is Psalm 34:18 tells us
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Over the past 3 days I had been becoming very depressed, and bitter. Let me clarify this by saying that I didn't just have a few bad days that lead to these feelings. It's been more like 16 years of different trials and hardships that I have been able to handle really well at times and not so well other times. Yesterday was one of those days. I had allowed my circumstances to dictate how I handled my feelings. Feelings are a good thing. God gave us emotions so that we can experience life to the fullest and all emotions have a place, time and proper use. Emotions can also be misused and misleading.
I had been having intense feelings of sadness and anger and I should have flooded my mind with Gods truths at that time. Truths about his love for me and that he promises to never leave me and to carry me all the way. Instead, I listened to Satan's lies and started believing them. I felt unloved, desperately lonely in my struggle and than self pity set in.
I was so consumed with sadness that I allowed that to affect how I interacted with people and more importantly with God yesterday. It was Sunday and I was at one of my most favorite places. I love my church and love my people there at my church. I should have been filling up my soul with love and fellowship. Instead I was so focused on myself that I missed out big time. I missed out on all of Gods blessings. I missed out on truly worshiping him. I have never not been able to worship God in his house and yesterday I could barely sing. It's not my circumstances that affect my worshiping. If anything, my circumstance usually compel me to worship more deeply knowing how far God has brought me and how faithful he has been to me. It's when sin has me that I find it hard to worship.
As if that's not bad enough, I also missed out on blessing others. I am entrusted to serve others in my church. I serve coffee just about every weekend. It's a huge honor to serve Gods people each week and bless them with a smile or a hug. Unfortunately I didn't even address most people with a hello. I seriously could have changed someone's day or experience. I feel great distress in knowing that someone could have been in that church that doesn't know Jesus or have a relationship with him and I could have and should have shown Jesus love with my actions and attitude.
How we react to circumstances greatly affects everything and everyone around us. I really wish I had a do-over.
I may not be able to re-do yesterday but God does give us do-overs every day! Some times multiple times a day! He is faithful and just to forgive us every minute of every day and lead us into deep love and relationship with him and that is something to sign about! The song I posted with this blog is one we sang yesterday. I didn't really listen while I was in my seat but after church God sang this song to me through out my whole day yesterday. It must have been 30 times or more. "Never once did we ever walk alone. Never once did you leave us on our own. You are faithful God, you are faithful"
If you are facing really tough circumstances and maybe even a crushed spirit, remember to lean on Jesus and he will make you strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Don't miss Gods blessings today. Lean on him and sing your heart out. Tell him your pain and take his comfort. He loves you and will never leave you!
Here's link to the video in case you're on your phone and cant see it up there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA
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