Do you ever find yourself torn between drawing nearer to God and clinging to a self-destructive habit? You may have not noticed at first, but something or someone makes it clear that this is exactly what is happening. What do you do?
Theologically, we know that when we pick something before God, we are plunging into idolatry. It may seem like a petty, victimless crime, but God certainly does not see it that way. He will share his glory with no other.
Intellectually, we may recognize that the behavior that is pulling us away will eventually cost us dearly. However, we might assume, for the time being at least, we will escape the consequences.
Yet, in spite of what we know to be true, we are often pulled along by an emotional tug that defies understanding. It may well be the principle of sin that resides in our mortal bodies and wages war against our flesh.
We are left with a choice--God or our habit. It seems like such a simple choice, but I have witness several people exchange the glory of God for their destruction. Everyday the battle wages within me. Everyday I have to make the choice.
What about you? How do you handle the struggle?
Showing posts with label Struggle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Struggle. Show all posts
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How Long, O LORD?
Do you ever struggle? Have you ever looked around, and wondered if you make a difference in the world? Have you ever asked, "Does anything I do matter?" A lot of people yearn for significance. They want to know that their life has meaning and purpose. Sometimes it even feels like God has forgotten us.
Even David felt this way:
It is easy to get swept up in the circumstances of life, and to lose sight of God's grace. I have been twice reminded of God's goodness in the last 24 hours. In truth, I am reminded of God's grace continually, but it doesn't always leave me praising God in wide-eyed wonder.
Both blessings I received left me praising God for his goodness. I was reminded once again of God's care. He has not forgotten me, nor has he abandon me. He sees me. He knows me. He loves me.
What will it take for your eyes to be opened to God's great love for you? If you have wrestled with throwing in the towel, I urge you to wait. God is faithful, he will not forget his people. Draw near to him. Call out to him. Remember: he sees you, he knows you, and he loves you. These trues we learn as we study the cross (see Rom. 5:8). Don't stop praying. God is listening, and he won't wait forever to answer.
Even David felt this way:
"My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?" (Ps. 6:3, NIV).
"How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:2, NIV).
It is easy to get swept up in the circumstances of life, and to lose sight of God's grace. I have been twice reminded of God's goodness in the last 24 hours. In truth, I am reminded of God's grace continually, but it doesn't always leave me praising God in wide-eyed wonder.
Both blessings I received left me praising God for his goodness. I was reminded once again of God's care. He has not forgotten me, nor has he abandon me. He sees me. He knows me. He loves me.
What will it take for your eyes to be opened to God's great love for you? If you have wrestled with throwing in the towel, I urge you to wait. God is faithful, he will not forget his people. Draw near to him. Call out to him. Remember: he sees you, he knows you, and he loves you. These trues we learn as we study the cross (see Rom. 5:8). Don't stop praying. God is listening, and he won't wait forever to answer.
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