(Jennie McLaurin)
"Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
Singing this children's song always made me feel self-conscious. Not just because of its age appeal, but because of its words. Yes, the Bible says Jesus loves me. And preachers say he loves me so much, he would have died just for me had I been the only person in the world.
But he didn't die just for me. Jesus' love extends to everyone who claims him. Receiving that love can seem like being part of a class-action lawsuit: The terms of agreement apply to me as they do to millions of others. While reassuring, his love hasn't always felt very personal.
And though I believe Jesus loves me, I haven't always been confident he likes me. As a child, I'd been told no one who really knew me would like me. Of course, I'd learned God, who knows me completely, loves me unconditionally, no matter how unlovely I am. But is that love coupled with gladness? After all, I've realized from personal experience I can be loved without being enjoyed.
Playing Favorites
Growing up, I often heard my parents say they loved all their children equally. While I believed my parents, I also knew some of my siblings gave my parents more pleasure than the rest of us kids did. I yearned for my mother's face to light up when I entered her room. But all too often, my childhood faults alienated me from her. I was too loud, too bossy, too demanding, too much like my father. Eventually, I withdrew from my mother's presence rather than risk disapproval.
Of course, I knew God was perfect and my parents weren't. But one particular image of Jesus convinced me he liked some followers more than he liked others. In fact, Jesus appeared to have a clear favorite. Over and over, in paintings, movies, and Bible illustrations, I saw Jesus surrounded by his disciples at the Last Supper. And one of the men, always pictured next to Jesus, was actually resting in Jesus' lap.
That disciple was John, and he had a nickname that filled me with longing. John was "the disciple Jesus loved." What a claim! This phrase was attached to a warm tenderness. Any assurances of God's feelings toward me seemed detached from love's caress.
In my mind, John was nearly perfect—the meek and mild male counterpart of the Virgin Mary. I wasn't like John. Despite my strivings to emulate him, my personality persisted strong and loud.
I knew God used these traits, allowing me to raise my voice against injustice toward outcasts and the poor. But I couldn't see myself as Jesus' bosom buddy. Jesus reserved that status for gentler souls, such as one of the women at my church who was kind, quiet, patient, and humble. I could easily imagine Jesus opening his arms wide to greet her.
Claiming Names
I grew resentful of these favored followers. The week before Easter, while preparing a Bible study on Jesus' last days, I again encountered John, "the disciple Jesus loved," seated beside him at the table. I wondered how John earned that unfair title. No one, not even Peter the Rock, could top it. Being called a heart's treasure was better than being labeled a hardhead.
I felt ashamed of my envy, and sad. I owed Jesus everything, and he certainly didn't owe me any favoritism. I just wanted to know God was glad to have me at his table, too.
Then, as I read on in my study, I saw a different side of John. Just after Jesus predicted his betrayal and death to his 12 disciples, two of them—John and James—started arguing over front-row seats in heaven (Mark 10:32–45). Even the disciples' mother joined in, asking for special favors from Jesus (Matthew 20:20–21).
John's personality wasn't meek and mild after all. When Jesus called John as a disciple, Jesus gave him a very different nickname, one not so endearing: "Son of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). Jesus rebuked this loved one for his pride, power grasping, and foolishness. John was far from perfect!
So how did John become known as "the disciple Jesus loved"? I realized Jesus didn't give John this nickname. John simply claimed it. John wasn't necessarily Jesus' favorite; he simply recognized the ability of Christ's love to redefine self-image. John understood Jesus could know him completely, call him "Son of Thunder" to his face, and still desire his friendship and enjoy his companionship.
This unique love drew John to trust Jesus entirely, to sit as close to him as possible, even to risk rebuke by confiding in him a desire for fame and honor. And John's joy in this relationship spilled onto the pages of Scripture. John's calling himself this nickname in his gospel and Bible letters isn't a threat or an obnoxious boast. It's an invitation to be confident in God's love.
Getting Personal
God used John's nickname to set me free from my doubts about Jesus' love. If John could call himself this name, I could, too. The more I thought of myself as "the disciple Jesus loves," the more I could trust God with who I really am.
I still have my strong personality and mixed-up desires. I still long to be better than I am. I still might merit the nickname "Daughter of Thunder."
But my new nickname brings me constant joy. Sometimes, I confide to God I really must be his favorite, because he sure does like me. Then I laugh out loud. I'm not worried anymore that Jesus sighs when I enter his presence. I think his face lights up with affection. Because I'm "the disciple Jesus loves." And that love is very personal, for I'm fully loved—and liked—as fully me.
Source: christianity today
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Rewards of Self Discipline
(by Darlene Schacht)
Do you hope to lose weight but fail time and again? Do you lust after food, and lack self control? If so, you're not alone. Results from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicate that an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.i Startling statistics like that cause us to wonder where the heart of our modern society lies.
This month, we’re talking about self-discipline: the nitty-gritty business of controlling our actions, that most of us would rather ignore than put a microscope to. In scripture after scripture, the Bible stresses the importance of controlling our bodies, our tongues and our thoughts, by exercising just that: self-discipline.
To get a biblical example of discipline in action, let’s take a closer look at the self-disciplined side of the woman personified in Proverbs chapter 31:
* Works with eager hands (verse 13)
* Brings food from afar (verse 14)
* Gets up while it’s still dark (verse 15)
* Plants a vineyard (verse 16)
* Works vigorously (verse 17)
* Is clothed with strength and dignity (verse 25)
* Speaks with wisdom (verse 26)
* Doesn’t sit idle (verse 27)
Do some of those characteristics speak to you? Have you refused to work out because it would mean getting up a little earlier? Do you grab something quick to eat because you don’t want to take the time to get your food from afar? Do you waste too much idle time on the computer or television when you could be enriching your mind? Are you clothed with strength and dignity, or do you throw on a ball cap, slip on a ratty old t-shirt, and head out of the door praying that no one will see?
Self-disciplines when applied to our life not only bring self-respect, they also bring respect from others around us:
* Her husband has full confidence in her (verse 11)
* Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land (verse 23)
* Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her (verse 28)
* Let her works bring her praise at the city gate (verse 31)
When self-discipline is called for, many of us step back immediately, and although we may not outright admit what we’re thinking, what we’d like to say is, “Uh—no. I’m not going to sign on to anything that requires sacrifice on my part, I’d rather wait until an easier plan comes along.” And so we wait for the next quick fix that promises weight loss at no cost—perhaps it’s an all you can eat soup diet, or licking the pounds away on an ice cream diet—but we fail time and time again, because a quick fix doesn’t set the stage for tomorrow, it satisfies and gratifies the body today.
Losing weight is simple. There’s no rock that hasn’t been turned, no magic pill that waits to be found. If you struggle with weight gain and a lust toward food, then it’s a battle that needs to be fought; the only question remains “Are you willing to fight?” If you stop for a minute to find an excuse, you’ve hesitated too long. If you put it off until tomorrow, you’re waiting too long. Romans 12:1, tells us that living a life of sacrifice is an “act of spiritual worship.” Some versions call it, “your reasonable service.” Reasonable. There’s nothing unreasonable about bringing our bodies to the point where they yield to the Spirit.
I don’t suppose that the Proverbs 31 woman particularly enjoyed getting up while it was still dark, or lighting a fire while the others remained warm in their beds. And I don’t suppose that it will be easy for you either, the first time, you pass up a bag of potato chips, turn down some chocolate, or settle for water instead of a pop. But I do believe with no uncertainty that in time you will be happy with the changes you’ve made.
Perhaps the key portion of that verse, which speaks to our heart and moves us to obedience, is the word, “worship.” Imagine that—being able to worship God by giving up a part of yourself. Being able to give up the bondage that you have with food, as an act of worship to God.
All things die that we might have life. Nearly every bit of food we put in our mouth is a sacrifice in some way or another. Beef, chicken, pork, fish, lettuce, carrots, berries, nuts, and the list goes on; all once living things that have died so that we can live. Nature itself typifies the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing glory to God.
Dying to ones self is an act of worship because each time we do, we reflect the passion of our Lord. And with each part we give, we reap peace in abundance.
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"
~ Luke 9:23-25, NIV
Source: Christian Woman Online
Do you hope to lose weight but fail time and again? Do you lust after food, and lack self control? If so, you're not alone. Results from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicate that an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.i Startling statistics like that cause us to wonder where the heart of our modern society lies.
This month, we’re talking about self-discipline: the nitty-gritty business of controlling our actions, that most of us would rather ignore than put a microscope to. In scripture after scripture, the Bible stresses the importance of controlling our bodies, our tongues and our thoughts, by exercising just that: self-discipline.
To get a biblical example of discipline in action, let’s take a closer look at the self-disciplined side of the woman personified in Proverbs chapter 31:
* Works with eager hands (verse 13)
* Brings food from afar (verse 14)
* Gets up while it’s still dark (verse 15)
* Plants a vineyard (verse 16)
* Works vigorously (verse 17)
* Is clothed with strength and dignity (verse 25)
* Speaks with wisdom (verse 26)
* Doesn’t sit idle (verse 27)
Do some of those characteristics speak to you? Have you refused to work out because it would mean getting up a little earlier? Do you grab something quick to eat because you don’t want to take the time to get your food from afar? Do you waste too much idle time on the computer or television when you could be enriching your mind? Are you clothed with strength and dignity, or do you throw on a ball cap, slip on a ratty old t-shirt, and head out of the door praying that no one will see?
Self-disciplines when applied to our life not only bring self-respect, they also bring respect from others around us:
* Her husband has full confidence in her (verse 11)
* Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land (verse 23)
* Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her (verse 28)
* Let her works bring her praise at the city gate (verse 31)
When self-discipline is called for, many of us step back immediately, and although we may not outright admit what we’re thinking, what we’d like to say is, “Uh—no. I’m not going to sign on to anything that requires sacrifice on my part, I’d rather wait until an easier plan comes along.” And so we wait for the next quick fix that promises weight loss at no cost—perhaps it’s an all you can eat soup diet, or licking the pounds away on an ice cream diet—but we fail time and time again, because a quick fix doesn’t set the stage for tomorrow, it satisfies and gratifies the body today.
Losing weight is simple. There’s no rock that hasn’t been turned, no magic pill that waits to be found. If you struggle with weight gain and a lust toward food, then it’s a battle that needs to be fought; the only question remains “Are you willing to fight?” If you stop for a minute to find an excuse, you’ve hesitated too long. If you put it off until tomorrow, you’re waiting too long. Romans 12:1, tells us that living a life of sacrifice is an “act of spiritual worship.” Some versions call it, “your reasonable service.” Reasonable. There’s nothing unreasonable about bringing our bodies to the point where they yield to the Spirit.
I don’t suppose that the Proverbs 31 woman particularly enjoyed getting up while it was still dark, or lighting a fire while the others remained warm in their beds. And I don’t suppose that it will be easy for you either, the first time, you pass up a bag of potato chips, turn down some chocolate, or settle for water instead of a pop. But I do believe with no uncertainty that in time you will be happy with the changes you’ve made.
Perhaps the key portion of that verse, which speaks to our heart and moves us to obedience, is the word, “worship.” Imagine that—being able to worship God by giving up a part of yourself. Being able to give up the bondage that you have with food, as an act of worship to God.
All things die that we might have life. Nearly every bit of food we put in our mouth is a sacrifice in some way or another. Beef, chicken, pork, fish, lettuce, carrots, berries, nuts, and the list goes on; all once living things that have died so that we can live. Nature itself typifies the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing glory to God.
Dying to ones self is an act of worship because each time we do, we reflect the passion of our Lord. And with each part we give, we reap peace in abundance.
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"
~ Luke 9:23-25, NIV
Source: Christian Woman Online
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
5 Ways To Be Content
(by Darlene Schacht)
For the last few months, our focus has been on weight loss. That’s usually the case with Thanksgiving, Christmas and especially New Years! Once all the figgy pudding is put aside we ask ourselves, how can I take off the weight? It’s tough, but I’ve witnessed many of you putting your plans into action, and I’m excited to share in your journey—so press on!
But this month, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I’d like to shift us in a slightly different direction on our journey to Live Well.
In my book The Mom Complex, I encourage women to “wade through the toys in search of the joys.” I urge them to search inside themselves, so that they can discover the path that God has placed their feet on. It’s important that we see that path today—not tomorrow, because God has already begun a work in us that’s waiting to be uncovered, dusted off and embraced.
We can start by putting aside the “ifs” and the “buts” today:
I’d be happier if this house was bigger…
I’d be happier if my stomach was tighter…
I’d be happier if only I could wear a size 7 again…
I have a great marriage, but my husband doesn’t take me out enough…
My kids are wonderful, but my two year old is going through a phase right now…
I used to spend time with the Lord, but lately I’m swamped for time…
There’s a proverb that says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” ~ Proverbs 23:7. So don’t think for a minute that the discouragement you wear in your heart won’t show on your face. Happiness is one cosmetic that’s God given and free for all. I want it—don’t you? Of course we do. I’d love to wear a smile 24/7 if I could, but even more than happiness itself, I want contentment--true joy with the peaceful knowledge that God is in control. Yes—I’ll still have dreams and hopes which will point me in one direction or the other, but ultimately when I lay my desire on the alter of worship where I trust God for my life, I’ll allow God’s grace to power each step. That’s what contentment does, and it's learned by patience and practice. The apostle Paul said, "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." ~ Philippians 4:11b, KJV
Let’s look at five ways to find contentment in your life today:
1. Stop Looking Back
Remember Lot’s wife—otherwise known as the pillar of salt? Wow, I praise God that I’m not in her shoes, because I’ve also looked back a thousand times more than I should have. I’ve also looked to the side, and forward as well—it’s a wonder I don’t suffer neck pain!
Longing for the things of the past, or the things of the future is our way of saying, I’m not content with that which I have, or I don’t trust God with my future. Sodom was a sinful and corrupt place to be, and yet for lack of faith, Lot’s wife looked back. I’ve done the same as I’ve looked back on my sinful past wishing I could pick and choose certain things that I lost—like that 23-inch waist, or skin so tight it snapped into place.
But I’ve also been looking to the future with far too much anxiety, praying that God would open doors, clarify my path, give me direction, and make me skinny. The praying is good, but the problem is that I fail to leave the anxiety there, and I carry it with me instead. It’s like taking a trip to the cleaners then hauling your dirty laundry back home again. Doesn’t make much sense when you consider how fruitless it is.
I’ve come to learn that true contentment is when I can say, “I bring my petitions to you, Lord, lay them at Your feet, and trust that Your direction is best for my life,” with the faith to stand by those words.
Peter wisely guides us on the path to contentment when he writes, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
2. Count your blessings
Is it quiet in the room? I hope so, because I want you to consider the blessings that you have in your life before you move on. Discouragement of where we are at this moment in life is a roadblock that too many of us are sitting there staring at, hoping that someone will shove it out of the way, so we can move on with our journey.
Live outward, instead of living an inward focused life. We accomplish this by letting go of the “I wants” for a focus on the “I haves.” Ever see a good cop show where the hero is stuck in traffic? What does he do? He gets out of the car and runs. He can sit there all day saying “I want this car to budge,” or he can use the legs that he has to get moving.
Look back—I know, I said not to, but we’re making an exception, just this once! Why look back? Because I want you to witness the fact that God is faithful. He has brought you this far, and He isn’t about to leave you where you are today. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ~ Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Let’s start counting those blessings now... Do you have children? A wonderful husband? A pantry full of food? A best friend? A good income? A talent? Sunshine on your face? Great cheekbones? Kind parents? Whatever it is that you can praise God for, do it right now. Go into a room by yourself if you want to, but release your discouragement by receiving the encouragement we find when we dwell on our blessings. Name them as you give thanks to the Lord. That’s when you’ll get past the roadblock and move on in your faith.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. ~ Psalm 34:8, NIV. Amen, Ladies? Oh yeah--Amen!!
3. Delight in the Lord
Dictionary.com defines delight this way:
A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture.
Have you ever met a hard-core golfer? I mean someone who really delights in the sport? I have, in fact I’ve met a few of them, including my brother in-law, Wayne. Wayne likes golf so much that he invested in the cute little shoes for discerning men who want to give their “feet a treat” on the course. And of course he also picked up graphite clubs, of which he had the handles regripped. He watches golf on television, owns several golf videos and computer games, plans every family vacation within 5 miles of a golf course, subscribes to the sports channel, practices at the driving range in summer and the golf dome in winter, has friends that also love golf, and last but not least--he pines for “Big Bertha,” I know…figure that one out, ladies!
Can I define delight any better than that? It would be tough, unless I started in about my friend May and her passion for shoes...
Now let me ask you, do you delight in the Lord? Do you seek to include Him in all that you do? Or is He just a channel that you turn to now and then?
If you haven’t already, then I pray that you will discover the joy that flows, when you delight in the fellowship of the Lord. It may take a bit of slowing down on your part to see it, but His glory is evident in our world, and it’s there to touch and to hold and delight in. Read a Psalm, watch the rain fall, take a walk and chat with Him, watch the clouds float by, hold a newborn, play with a ladybug, give a gift in His name, feel a breeze on your face, hear the sound of laughter, taste a chocolate melting on your tongue, enjoy the smell of your husband, watch a seed sprout in soil… discover Him in all that you do. And when you’re not discovering Him, seek Him out, because when you do—you’ll find Him. Seek Him and praise Him for all that He is; for God delights in the praise of His people.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalm 37:4
4. Embrace the Recipe that You Own
I’m going to go out on a limb and be stereo typical for a moment by saying that women—at least the ones I’ve met—have a tendency to compare themselves with others. Dare I also say often? You may not be the wealthiest, the thinnest, or the most attractive person you know—neither am I. But it’s also likely that there are less attractive, less successful, and less fortunate women then us too. It’s a fact of life. There will always be a prettier, sexier, thinner, and more successful woman than we are, but that’s ok. Let’s accept this fact and move on. Among the glitter, and glitz of Hollywood, there is one thing that it doesn’t posses, and that, my dear, is you. Embrace that.
There will never be another woman who owns the look, the personality and experiences that you do. Those ingredients make up the recipe that defines who you are, and it’s your gift from the Lord—own it. Originality is something to be desired, and you’ve got it girl!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14
5. Choose your Reaction
One of my favorite quotes comes from a line of the old hymn written by Heratio Spafford in 1873, “Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”
It’s easy to be happy when we set our minds to it—to wear a smile in the face of sorrow. But expecting to have a Pollyanna view of life in every situation is unlikely. Ecclesiastes 3:4 reads, “[there’s] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” We’ve all experienced moments like these, but the key to contentment is dependant on how we handle our grief in those times of mourning. After two major tragedies in his life, I doubt that Spafford was chipper when he wrote that song, but I don’t doubt for a minute that he was at peace with his life.
It’s not the things of this world that wound us; it’s our reaction to them. What’s painful to one is encouragement to another, that’s just how our emotions are wired. I lost a baby on Christmas day. In fact I’ve lost five to miscarriage, but this one was particularly painful since I spent boxing day being poked and prodded in the emergency room instead of living with the hope that next Christmas this baby would rest in our arms. I could have worn my grief for months after that, but instead I found contentment knowing that this child had the privilege of spending Christmas day with Jesus Himself, and that next Christmas rather than resting in my arms she’d be resting in His.
He gives us, “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah: 61:3
I’d like to encourage you to consider your reaction the next time you feel a blow. Forgot your keys? Late for a meeting? Didn’t get the job you wanted? The bills are piling up? Remember that your reaction to each situation—whether weak or strong—is the only thing that can hurt you, so choose it well. We can choose to cower in the face of life’s failures, or we can hand our pain over to God, receive from His grace, and live by those words--it is well, it is well with my soul…
Source: Christian Women Online
For the last few months, our focus has been on weight loss. That’s usually the case with Thanksgiving, Christmas and especially New Years! Once all the figgy pudding is put aside we ask ourselves, how can I take off the weight? It’s tough, but I’ve witnessed many of you putting your plans into action, and I’m excited to share in your journey—so press on!
But this month, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I’d like to shift us in a slightly different direction on our journey to Live Well.
In my book The Mom Complex, I encourage women to “wade through the toys in search of the joys.” I urge them to search inside themselves, so that they can discover the path that God has placed their feet on. It’s important that we see that path today—not tomorrow, because God has already begun a work in us that’s waiting to be uncovered, dusted off and embraced.
We can start by putting aside the “ifs” and the “buts” today:
I’d be happier if this house was bigger…
I’d be happier if my stomach was tighter…
I’d be happier if only I could wear a size 7 again…
I have a great marriage, but my husband doesn’t take me out enough…
My kids are wonderful, but my two year old is going through a phase right now…
I used to spend time with the Lord, but lately I’m swamped for time…
There’s a proverb that says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” ~ Proverbs 23:7. So don’t think for a minute that the discouragement you wear in your heart won’t show on your face. Happiness is one cosmetic that’s God given and free for all. I want it—don’t you? Of course we do. I’d love to wear a smile 24/7 if I could, but even more than happiness itself, I want contentment--true joy with the peaceful knowledge that God is in control. Yes—I’ll still have dreams and hopes which will point me in one direction or the other, but ultimately when I lay my desire on the alter of worship where I trust God for my life, I’ll allow God’s grace to power each step. That’s what contentment does, and it's learned by patience and practice. The apostle Paul said, "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." ~ Philippians 4:11b, KJV
Let’s look at five ways to find contentment in your life today:
1. Stop Looking Back
Remember Lot’s wife—otherwise known as the pillar of salt? Wow, I praise God that I’m not in her shoes, because I’ve also looked back a thousand times more than I should have. I’ve also looked to the side, and forward as well—it’s a wonder I don’t suffer neck pain!
Longing for the things of the past, or the things of the future is our way of saying, I’m not content with that which I have, or I don’t trust God with my future. Sodom was a sinful and corrupt place to be, and yet for lack of faith, Lot’s wife looked back. I’ve done the same as I’ve looked back on my sinful past wishing I could pick and choose certain things that I lost—like that 23-inch waist, or skin so tight it snapped into place.
But I’ve also been looking to the future with far too much anxiety, praying that God would open doors, clarify my path, give me direction, and make me skinny. The praying is good, but the problem is that I fail to leave the anxiety there, and I carry it with me instead. It’s like taking a trip to the cleaners then hauling your dirty laundry back home again. Doesn’t make much sense when you consider how fruitless it is.
I’ve come to learn that true contentment is when I can say, “I bring my petitions to you, Lord, lay them at Your feet, and trust that Your direction is best for my life,” with the faith to stand by those words.
Peter wisely guides us on the path to contentment when he writes, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
2. Count your blessings
Is it quiet in the room? I hope so, because I want you to consider the blessings that you have in your life before you move on. Discouragement of where we are at this moment in life is a roadblock that too many of us are sitting there staring at, hoping that someone will shove it out of the way, so we can move on with our journey.
Live outward, instead of living an inward focused life. We accomplish this by letting go of the “I wants” for a focus on the “I haves.” Ever see a good cop show where the hero is stuck in traffic? What does he do? He gets out of the car and runs. He can sit there all day saying “I want this car to budge,” or he can use the legs that he has to get moving.
Look back—I know, I said not to, but we’re making an exception, just this once! Why look back? Because I want you to witness the fact that God is faithful. He has brought you this far, and He isn’t about to leave you where you are today. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ~ Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Let’s start counting those blessings now... Do you have children? A wonderful husband? A pantry full of food? A best friend? A good income? A talent? Sunshine on your face? Great cheekbones? Kind parents? Whatever it is that you can praise God for, do it right now. Go into a room by yourself if you want to, but release your discouragement by receiving the encouragement we find when we dwell on our blessings. Name them as you give thanks to the Lord. That’s when you’ll get past the roadblock and move on in your faith.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. ~ Psalm 34:8, NIV. Amen, Ladies? Oh yeah--Amen!!
3. Delight in the Lord
Dictionary.com defines delight this way:
A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture.
Have you ever met a hard-core golfer? I mean someone who really delights in the sport? I have, in fact I’ve met a few of them, including my brother in-law, Wayne. Wayne likes golf so much that he invested in the cute little shoes for discerning men who want to give their “feet a treat” on the course. And of course he also picked up graphite clubs, of which he had the handles regripped. He watches golf on television, owns several golf videos and computer games, plans every family vacation within 5 miles of a golf course, subscribes to the sports channel, practices at the driving range in summer and the golf dome in winter, has friends that also love golf, and last but not least--he pines for “Big Bertha,” I know…figure that one out, ladies!
Can I define delight any better than that? It would be tough, unless I started in about my friend May and her passion for shoes...
Now let me ask you, do you delight in the Lord? Do you seek to include Him in all that you do? Or is He just a channel that you turn to now and then?
If you haven’t already, then I pray that you will discover the joy that flows, when you delight in the fellowship of the Lord. It may take a bit of slowing down on your part to see it, but His glory is evident in our world, and it’s there to touch and to hold and delight in. Read a Psalm, watch the rain fall, take a walk and chat with Him, watch the clouds float by, hold a newborn, play with a ladybug, give a gift in His name, feel a breeze on your face, hear the sound of laughter, taste a chocolate melting on your tongue, enjoy the smell of your husband, watch a seed sprout in soil… discover Him in all that you do. And when you’re not discovering Him, seek Him out, because when you do—you’ll find Him. Seek Him and praise Him for all that He is; for God delights in the praise of His people.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalm 37:4
4. Embrace the Recipe that You Own
I’m going to go out on a limb and be stereo typical for a moment by saying that women—at least the ones I’ve met—have a tendency to compare themselves with others. Dare I also say often? You may not be the wealthiest, the thinnest, or the most attractive person you know—neither am I. But it’s also likely that there are less attractive, less successful, and less fortunate women then us too. It’s a fact of life. There will always be a prettier, sexier, thinner, and more successful woman than we are, but that’s ok. Let’s accept this fact and move on. Among the glitter, and glitz of Hollywood, there is one thing that it doesn’t posses, and that, my dear, is you. Embrace that.
There will never be another woman who owns the look, the personality and experiences that you do. Those ingredients make up the recipe that defines who you are, and it’s your gift from the Lord—own it. Originality is something to be desired, and you’ve got it girl!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14
5. Choose your Reaction
One of my favorite quotes comes from a line of the old hymn written by Heratio Spafford in 1873, “Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”
It’s easy to be happy when we set our minds to it—to wear a smile in the face of sorrow. But expecting to have a Pollyanna view of life in every situation is unlikely. Ecclesiastes 3:4 reads, “[there’s] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” We’ve all experienced moments like these, but the key to contentment is dependant on how we handle our grief in those times of mourning. After two major tragedies in his life, I doubt that Spafford was chipper when he wrote that song, but I don’t doubt for a minute that he was at peace with his life.
It’s not the things of this world that wound us; it’s our reaction to them. What’s painful to one is encouragement to another, that’s just how our emotions are wired. I lost a baby on Christmas day. In fact I’ve lost five to miscarriage, but this one was particularly painful since I spent boxing day being poked and prodded in the emergency room instead of living with the hope that next Christmas this baby would rest in our arms. I could have worn my grief for months after that, but instead I found contentment knowing that this child had the privilege of spending Christmas day with Jesus Himself, and that next Christmas rather than resting in my arms she’d be resting in His.
He gives us, “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah: 61:3
I’d like to encourage you to consider your reaction the next time you feel a blow. Forgot your keys? Late for a meeting? Didn’t get the job you wanted? The bills are piling up? Remember that your reaction to each situation—whether weak or strong—is the only thing that can hurt you, so choose it well. We can choose to cower in the face of life’s failures, or we can hand our pain over to God, receive from His grace, and live by those words--it is well, it is well with my soul…
Source: Christian Women Online
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