Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Lord, help me!
It's a blunder kind of day, or week really. So many things have been going on to make me feel down. I've been reading verses about God's promises, grace and mercy and that helps for a while but I find myself thinking about all the negative things going on. I've been attacked in so many ways lately that I just feel like I almost can't catch my breath. I'm needing lots of prayer right now for strength and wisedom to keep my mouth shut. I won't stop speaking the truth but I need to know when to keep my thoughts to myself. The bible says in Proverbs 20:3 "Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel." and Provers 26:4 says "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Proverbs 29:11 says "A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back." I want to be a wise person not a fool! State the truth once and if it is not received don't keep saying the same thing over and over. I struggle with knowing whether I am feeling righteous anger or prideful anger in these situations and have to take a moment to evaluate the situation. If I'm mad because my character is being attacked that is prideful but if I'm mad because they are twisting God's word to say what they want it to say that is righteous anger. I don't want my pride to be a stumbling block to anyone knowing the love of Christ! And I want to continue loving them despite their negative treatment of me because that is what Christ commands me to do. But I am a sinner and my flesh wants to hate them. Thank you, Jesus, for paying for my sins and giving me the strength to overcome my fleshly desires!
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It's horrible that you're having to go through this with family members. I know you are a strong person and have gone about the situation in the right ways, going to the Lord. Know that other family and friends are praying for you during this trial.
ReplyDeleteIt is SO difficult to respond in a Christ-like manner when people (especially family members!) tear you down and try to make it seem like you are a horrible person. Try to remember that when they do this, they are behaving like the woman at the well, who tried desperately to take the light off her own sins by turning the conversation away from where Jesus was taking it. We don't like it when the light of God's Word exposes our sinfulness, and our human reaction is to turn that light onto someone else, preferably the one who shone the light in the first place. You are right to say it once and not respond when the naysayers try to fling it back in your face. Jesus didn't respond when his accusers mocked him during his trial before Pilate. You are in my prayers, Sister - be strong in the Lord!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your encouraging words and prayers for me to respond in a godly manner. Fighting my flesh is such a tough battle in situations like this! I am seeing God's hand already at work in my heart (giving me a loving heart to those who are hurting me) and in at least one family member's heart. I am so grateful for the hope of a restored relationship!
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