Woe is ME!

     This morning for devotions, I Ps. 37:1-8. During our Christian walk, we all go through times when we think that God has forgotten us. However, if we read the words of David, we are reminded of how ever present our loving Savior truly is.

     The first couple of verses serve to break down our insecurities. Then the chapter transitions to words of encouragement and then a call to action.

     When times are rough, do not fall in the trap of "woe is me!" Many find themselves trapped in that ever deepening pit for years. There is nothing good that comes from spending so much time thinking about yourself let alone your "problems." A particular student of mine comes to mind because he has a way of painting a picture in his mind that he is being held back by life and everyone around him is moving on. The peers who are doing what they need to do or even the ones who could care less about giving life a try. No matter what you say, the clouds in the sky are bleak and the storm is morphing into a hurricane. Is it interesting to notice that the "clouds" only loom over him?

     Do not create this doomed world that is not the reality God intended for you. Eventually you will become so comfortable in that reality that you make it your residence. How do you break free?

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Live in the land and feed on truth. Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want." Ps. 37:3,4

     There is little else I can say that the Word is not saying. Simmer on these verses because they need to become your anthem. Serving and praising God needs to flow through your veins along side your blood cells.

     If you are going through hard times right now, then PRAISE the LORD!

"But you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name." 1 Peter 4:16

     The trial you are enduring is not worth severing your relationship with God. It will end just as dawn comes each morning. Jehovah is right here, so "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." Look up towards the sky instead of staring at the ground for inspiration. Let the vast endless sky remind you of the vast greatness of God which is without limit. Limit how many times you ask Why? and never cease to inquire into the Character of Him.

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with joy; come before him with singing." 

In your life, can you see how God makes you stronger through tribulation instead of weakens you?


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How Accurate is Your Perception of Yourself?

How often have you taken the time to reflect on how accurate your perception of yourself and your life is?

The window to my room is open allowing the cool rain air to seep into my room. The scent is familiar and fresh. At this moment, the sound of rain drops is calming. It is consistent and repetitive, slowing my heartbeat. In this peaceful state, I wonder about some of the decisions on my plate and whether or not I will be able to make the best decision.

What is the basis of my decision making? Then it hits me. How connected am I to my one true source for making decision? I chose God because he knows me best. He has the most accurate perception of who Shana is. Unlike myself, whose ideals and vantage points change depending on feelings, Jesus's vision of me is never changing.

I must say, there are definitely days when I don't feel quite myself. I feel disconnected. I scan through the definitions of myself that I have gained over the years to appease my sense of loss. So many times I am left with more questions than answers. I am still learning about who I am and what makes me tick. That's why it is such a good thing that there is someone who knows me better than I know myself.

So, as the rain drops fall on the leaves and blades of grass, I take comfort in the knowing I don't have to answer all of my questions. There are going to be plenty of hard decisions ahead in which I will wish to have a concrete understanding of myself in order to make the best decisions. However, that is not my role. My role is to allow my character to thrive only in Christ. There are some aspects of me that need to die anyway. Why waste time holding onto what the Lord is trying to chisel away?

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14-15

Teaching Bible at my school I have learned quite a bit about sheep. Yes, they have minimal intelligence so they are 100% dependent on the shepherd for life. They live for the sound of the shepherd's voice, going where ever is it. The shepherd knows every sheep by name, by its features, and personality. He plans ahead for the future of the sheep. In the end, he will do anything for his sheep. Such a bond.

How perfect of an analogy. The Shepherd knows each of us by name, by our features, and personality. He could pick us out of a crowd. He will do anything for us, including guide us in our daily lives. Help us make the best decisions possible. Purify our character.

There is no reason for me to stress over my character as if I have control in it. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

Time to give God back the reigns. He is much better as leading my life than I am.

What do you think is God's perception of you and your life?

~Shana


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Not There Yet

     Earlier this week, I posted on how God was the only way to get through my hard week. I would have to choose to draw close to him and then he would comfort me.

     Well, as this week comes to a close, I can not say that I feel back to my chipper self. I continue to feel the weight of my trials upon my shoulders. So, what could I possibly have to say to you then?

God is alluring.

     Each night before going to sleep, I took some time to spend it with God. I did not know how to let him in completely, but I wanted to learn more about him. Each night the desire to learn increased to the point that I felt it in the middle of the day. I would anticipate bed time so that I could spend it with him.

     Now I see how God was drawing me to him in an unexpected way. I was expecting the usual: come to me, don't stress about work, or trust in me. Instead the Lord took the same message and wrapped in a different package. It worked! I came to the feet of Jesus, gazing into his marvelous eyes. Now I feel comforted and I compelled to trust him to take me through this tough time.

     This week God has reminded me that he is full of surprises and fully capable of handling me. Without even realizing it, I was being comforted.

My God is AWESOME!

How has our Lord drawn you to his side? I would love to hear about it!


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