Whoa! I just had a pretty amazing experience. Some may think I’m crazy, but it won’t be the first time people thought I was a little strange. (smile*giggle*wink)
Okay, listen…stay with me here:
When I woke up this morning I did my normal routine of reading the bible-verse-for-the-day on my BibleGateway.com app , rolling over to lay my hand on or snuggle up to my man, and begin praying. It’s not unusual for me to be pondering on the scripture while praying as I desire for God to speak to me and through me. √
I guess I should first share the verses with you that got me going today:
“Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
When I read the last sentence, I was like “Yes, I do love the Lord’s teachings, even when they’re hard lessons to swallow, and I NEED to think about His word throughout my entire day and night because I can easily fall into sinful ways, and God’s word keeps me out of a lot of trouble I can get myself into.”
While I was thinking I could feel myself getting smaller. Seriously…getting smaller.
I began to think about grudges. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a grudge means: to give, do, or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way; to dislike or feel angry toward (someone) for something. Someone specific came to my mind who I began praying for because they soooo do hold grudges, and the sad thing is, I don’t know if they realize it or not. I thought about the grudges that I could be holding now, that at one point I did, and how freeing my life is now because I don’t hold a grudge against the particular person(s) any more. At that moment, again I felt myself getting smaller while my thoughts were on how liberating it felt to give my struggles to The One who can handle them best.
Getting back to the verse-for-the-day: my life has been blessed because I obeyed God’s teachings. God put people in my path who gave me godly advice, and planted my face in the bible so that I could seek His instruction on how to handle various situations.
Will you allow me to share some godly advice when it comes to holding a grudge?
Holding a grudge against someone can consume you with bitterness, resentment, even downright hatred. Yuck! I used to have that nasty taste of bitterness in my mouth, but I gave it to God. I want to encourage you to spew out those resentful feelings you may have towards someone. Don’t swallow the pill of rancor. It can swell feelings of anger, jealousy, and vindictiveness within you. Lay your ill feelings down at Jesus’ feet. Allow Him to take it and free you of those evil feelings and in turn fill you with forgiveness, joy, peace, and love. Be grateful in your times of trouble. Instead of dwelling on and allowing bitterness to consume you, thank God that you went through that experience to make you a stronger person. (Notice I said “went through” and not “stuck in” the experience.)
So, here’s the continuation of experience I had this morning…
With each sentence in my prayer I could vision myself getting minute. I actually felt as if the atmosphere/solar system/starry skies/whatever was engulfing me. I was floating away from the BIG world and becoming like a molecule. Crazy? It felt that way. I realized that the smaller I became, the GREATER God became. The more I relied on Him, the less of me there was. That’s when I had the thought of this…Lord, make me more of you and less of me. Amen! And how does this happen? When we love and listen to the Lord’s teachings.
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
Here’s some scripture to back up the advice:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21