Life hands us trials that often overwhelm us. We look to
human resources to solve our issues or to bail us out of the mess in which we
find our self. We do not want to bother God, because He is too busy holding the
universe together.
Total emotional, mental,
physical and spiritual recovery is only possible if we put our complete trust
in our Father God. The first step is to admit that we need His help and that
without Him, we cannot help our self (John 15:5).
The problem is that we often, for various reasons like
pride, fear and laziness, do not want to admit that we have a problem. We
prefer to limp along in debilitating darkness rather than to walk in God's
glorious light.
We believe we can live life our way and in our own human
strength and resources. Many people actually decide that they do not need God
or His parameters and restraints; not realizing that He devised His
commandments to keep us safe in this sin-cursed world.
God's Truth is not our enemy;
Satan's lies are the real culprit and threat to our freedom (1 John 1:5, 7).
Sifting through his lies can be daunting, but a Theo-phostic (God's Light) Prayer
Partner is a great help in this department
( www.theophostic.com )
Relying on God's forgiveness and unconditional love
allows us the freedom to take bold steps in our recovery. Our thoughts will condition
our emotions and choices: Positivity fosters healing and negativity plunges us
into the depths of despair.
We often view life with a lopsided focus and perspective,
which influences our clarity and victory. We believe Satan's lies are true;
sometimes this occurs subconsciously, and we deceive our self, resulting in
negative attitudes and behavior.
When we focus instead on God's continual provision and
love for us, we feel His hope rising in our heart, like a flag that signals His
residency within us. It is no longer us, but Christ living in and through us
(Galatians 2:20).
We pray for our needs with gratitude in our heart,
knowing without a doubt that God works out everything for our good (Romans
8:28). There is life-giving power available to us if we dwell in God's nature
and promises. We see His character in the examples of His behavior toward
Saints of old.
Prayer:
Father God, teach us that our contentment does not depend
on our worldly status and possessions, but on our relationship with You. We can
live in jail, as Paul did, and feel rivers of peace and cascades of joy
enveloping our spirit and soul. Remind us that emotions do not depend on our
physical, financial, or relational success in this life; but on the attitude of
our heart and spirit.
You know what is best for us and You provide for us
according to Your glorious riches. We will receive Your favor if we live
according to Your Biblical mandates and obey Your Spirit's direction for each
moment of our day. Reveal to us the times that You attempt to draw us into a
closer, more intimate walk with You, so that we will not miss out on the
blessings You have in store for us.
Thought for the Day:
Joy does not depend on outward circumstances or inner emotions, but on our ever-deepening, intimate relationship with the Trinity.
Joy does not depend on outward circumstances or inner emotions, but on our ever-deepening, intimate relationship with the Trinity.
