Are you familiar with the daily devotional, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young? My friend Mary sent it to me after telling me about it. Many of the devotionals seem to be written specifically for me on the day I need to hear it. Today was one of those days. I get so disappointed in myself because most mornings when I sit down to do my Bible study or to pray, my mind wanders. I begin to plan the day, or think about my blog post, or remember something I want to tell Country Guy before he leaves for work. Sometimes it may take several minutes for me to realize what I'm doing and bring my thoughts back to the Lord Jesus. Today was one of those days and then I opened up Jesus Calling to today's devotional. Here is what I read:
"Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence.
When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised. You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you. Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days. "
"Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence.
When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised. You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you. Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days. "
Romans 8:33-34
New International Version (NIV)
33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Hebrews 4:14-16
New International Version (NIV)
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 comment:
I have been struggling with this exactly. I want so much to have the time in the mornings to really connect with God, but only on my days off, with ample time, do I seem to really be able to let go and focus completely on Him, which of course shines his light on us in the way that Sarah Young, and all of us are seeking; that closeness and awareness of our presence. Thank you for posting this, it helped me and brought tears to my eyes that I'm not alone. We truly are not, even behind these computers, we are all one family, brothers and sisters, seeking, loving and following God together. Happy Thanksgiving, I thank God today for you and your blog. God Bless your for your sharing and fellowship!
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