Have you ever found yourself feeling like you are just "going through the motions," stuck in a rut that you just cannot seem to get out of, despite the desire to do so? Perhaps you may have wondered if your prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing right back down only to be heard by your own ears? Maybe you have found yourself so far from that thing we call holiness that you are sure God must have turned His back, ashamed to look your way? It may not be actions keeping you so far away, but a matter of the heart.
No? No one has felt that way? Oh. Well, I know I have, far too many times. It isn't even always an action issue, but the condition of my heart that causes the problem. Then, of course, because I know just how black my heart can be, just how horrid my attitude has been, and the viciousness of my thoughts, my own head begins to list off all of the reasons that God should not and will not hear my pleas anymore. Or is it my own mind? Perhaps Satan sees those weaknesses in me as well, and takes that opportunity to whisper those lies into my ear. The lie that God will not listen. The lie that God does not care. The lie that God has turned His back on me.
So, once again, I throw myself at the feet of God, pleading for forgiveness and for Him to cleanse me, to renew me. I spend time in prayer - something that is so simple yet many times seems so difficult. Then I dry my tears, and come out of my room and sit at the computer to check our emails. Rather than checking the daily comic strip, I go to the daily Bible verses first. A step in the right direction. My ever-faithful heavenly Daddy has, once again, heard my cries, and in His ultimate goodness, speaks to my heart. Our verses for the day are these:
God is Gracious and Forgiving
So Repent... Turn from Sin
This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live-
not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord's will is.
Ephesians 5:14-17 NIV
Repent, then, and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Acts 3:19 NIV
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Acts 2:38,39 NIV I am again amazed at God's faithfulness despite my utter lack thereof. Now this song by Kari Jobe is playing throughout our house:
Come to me, you weary one.
And I will give you rest.
I will give you rest.
Come to me, you weary one.
And I will give you rest.
I will give you rest.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Take me upon you, I will give you rest.
Come to me, you broken one.
And I will give you peace.
I will give you peace.
Come to me, you broken one.
And I will give you peace.
I will give you peace.
I will calm your waters, and I will whisper,
"Peace be still."
Take me upon you, I will give you peace.
Come to me, you burdened one.
And I will give you joy.
I will give you joy.
Come to me, you burdened one.
And I will give you joy.
I will give you joy.
You will rise like eagles, and my joy will be your strength.
Take me upon you, I will give you joy.
Come to me
I have been waiting for you here.
He has been waiting for you here.
Come. Come to Him.
Come and find your peace.
Come and find your rest.
Come and find your joy.
He is waiting here for you.
He is waiting here for you with open arms,
To hold you, to embrace your heart, to love you.
He is waiting here.If you ever feel the way I have been feeling lately, run to Him. That voice whispering in your ear that God is not listening or that His back is turned is an absolute lie. God is beyond faithful.
