My beautiful niece, Marie, leaping “for Jesus”.
Tell me, have you “been there done that” or maybe even “still in the midst of it” when it comes to: thinking the grass is greener on the other side; wanting what the “Joneses” have; wonder why bad people just keep getting glorified, praise, and getting what they want…all while you, who are trying to do and be good, just keep having struggles?
Let me now tell you that you are not alone and these thoughts have been going on for generations. But hold fast.
Take a look at underlined excerpts from Psalm 73 and see if this doesn’t sound familiar (and of course I put my own “Stephanie comments” and some bible verses scattered throughout):
3…people were successful, and I became jealous of those proud people. 4 They are healthy. They don’t have to struggle to survive. 5 They don’t suffer like the rest of us. They don’t have troubles like other people… So have you been there before? This is the “Woe is me” attitude. When this happens you become jealous of others. You separate yourself as a person between you and “they”. You look at others’ life and it may appear that they have absolutely no struggles in life. Friend, STOP. Stop comparing yourself to others (as hard as it is, and sometimes daily). Stop thinking that life is perfect for others. No one’s life is perfect. “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” James 3:15
11people say, “God does not know what we are doing! God Most High does not know!”…Oh, boy, oh, boy! The God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, our Heavenly Father knows all and sees all. We may attempt to disguise thoughts, feelings, and actions from others, but God sees it all. He sees the motive in our hearts. Please don’t think that when you do wrong that no one will ever know. God will and you will pay a price. “Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived.” Hebrews 4:13
13I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure! What good is it to keep myself from sin?…STOP right there again. It is beyond “good” to keep yourself from sin. It is life! “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16
17But then, God, I went to your Temple, and I understood what will happen to the wicked….When you are unclear about a choice in your life, take it to the throne of God. Lay your questions, dreams, struggles, and desires at His feet. When we give it all to the Lord we have a tendency to understand more clearly. We may not fully understand it all, but God gives us a peace and hope that cannot be denied. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
19Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished….If someone is wallowing in what the world may consider “the good life”, believe me…no…believe the word of God, they will reap what they sow. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7
21-22I was so stupid. I thought about such people and became upset. God, I was upset and angry with you! I acted like a senseless animal.”… Yea, we may get upset and angry with God over our “woe is me” self, but when we do we are just being “stupid”. Remember, God’s plan for our lives is so much better than what we think we want for our lives. “I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11
23But I am always with you. You hold my hand. 24 You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory. 25 In heaven, God, I have only you. And if I am with you, what on earth could I want? 27God, people who leave you will be lost….28As for me, all I need is to be close to God. I have made the Lord God my place of safety. And, God, I will tell about all that you have done. Amen! Hold on to God’s hand. Allow Him to lead you. Listen to Him. The Lord will give you the BEST advice. Stick with God and trust in Him. You’ll see him face to face one day in glory land. I LOVE verse 28…ALL I NEED IS TO BE CLOSE TO GOD. That just gives me a fresh breath, hope, joy, and a love for the rest of the day that can only come from Him. Make God your place of safety. Let Him be your Best Friend. Tell God everything. Lay it all out on the floor. He will have a way of turning your shame into something precious.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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