This person in my life is so difficult. They are constantly making my life miserable. All I think about is what will they do to me next and how can I protect myself from their attacks. God, take them out of my life. I don't deserve this. ~
It seems like I'm living from paycheck to paycheck. I hate paying bills. My friend just bought that car I've been wanting so badly. But first I'm upgrading my cell phone. There's got to be a way to make more money so I can get a new car, too. God, help me to make more money. I work hard and deserve to have the things I want. ~
My friend has the perfect marriage. Her husband helps her with the kids. He gets a sitter and takes her out every weekend. He's always surprising her with gifts and flowers. She has a beautiful home and a cleaning lady! And here I am in a tiny house, a husband who never talks to me or helps me out. And he's always at work. God, change my husband. I deserve to be happy. ~
Oh, the longings of our hearts. At different times in my life, my prayers have been very similar to these. And these longings only draw me closer to despair, loneliness, and sadness. I want the longing of my heart to be for God and more of Him. I want to glorify God with every thought and deed. I want to live with His word on my lips and in my soul. I want what breaks my Father's heart to break my heart. "Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 When I delight in my Father, I want more of my Father. The desires of my heart are for more of Him and to glorify Him. And my heart and soul are completely satisfied. I am most satisfied when I am with Him and in Him. And God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him. My heart can only be satisfied by the One who created me.
Oh, that this would be me every day!! But then the world pulls at my heart and my mind. My heart starts to long for other things in my life. Trials take over my thoughts and prayers. My prayers begin to sound like desires for other things rather than for more of God. I want this situation to change, I want this person to change, I want more of this, I want less of that. It is no longer You, God, it is I. And I am not satisfied. My thoughts go from You to me...or to someone or something else. Idolatry. When I value something more than I value God. If I had a gauge on my thoughts, what would that gauge reveal about my thoughts? Who or what takes up most of my thoughts, my time, or my money? That.is.my.god.
Lord, I am so thankful for your grace. You are faithful even when I am not. And you are so patient with me. Yes, you want to bless me with healthy and loving relationships, with all my needs, with good health and with an abundant life because you are a good God and you want to give good gifts to your children. But help me to remember, my God, the best gift of all: the sacrifice of your only Son for me. May what breaks your heart, break my own. When I break your heart, may my heart break, may I turn to you and draw near to you. Remind me that these trials in my life are to make me more like you. May the trials in my life draw me near to you and not near to my trials. You are my God. You are greater than my trials. You alone satisfy. Your hand is outstretched to me and I only need to trust you. Let go of what I have in my hand and take your hand. Surrender all to you. Abundant life. Even in my trials, I can have an abundant life and be fully satisfied because you keep my feet from falling. You are my hiding place. You fill my broken heart with songs of deliverance. You pull me out of the pit and carry me through the storm. You are my strong tower. You are the lover of my soul.
~Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1
~And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17:5
~And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17:5
Please leave a comment if you have more scripture or a testimony to share. I am humbled by my God. I believe God brought you here for a reason. Be blessed and be a blessing. God loves you and wants to use your life...today.
