Sometimes I get stuck. I can get stuck in circumstances or in my own perceptions. People’s comments from the past can influence how I view myself in the present. A desire for change in my circumstances can choke out the desire to want God’s will over my own.
Is53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
It’s true, when I stray from the truth of who God is, I turn to my own way. My best friend is my own will because that’s what I chose to rely on. Turning back to who Jesus is will be the only thing that can free me.
Philip4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Over the past week or so I was able to do some reflecting on the things God has done in my life. This reflection required two things of me. First, I give him credit for the good things he has done in my life, and second that I take the time to thank him for them. Praying with thanksgiving is the key to seeing God in the right perspective. Praying with thanksgiving literally dissolves anxiety and helps us see past our present circumstances. Praying in this way helped me to take my eyes off of myself and place them back on God remembering that he has never dropped me. Instead of focusing on passive circumstances I can focus on making every effort to make my actions glorify God.
Ps116:2 How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
If I have made every effort to glorify him and live with purpose and meaning, I am able to focus more on the significant moments rather than the circumstances I cannot change. I can strive to make each moment meaningful. If I focus on the circumstances or other's perceptions it may take away from what I can authentically give. He has given each of us a gift to use. Every decision in the world is made by the person who has the power to make it. When I desire God’s will over my own I am able to focus on the decisions I have the power to make and allow him to work out the rest. I see myself with sober judgment and can focus on my portion. I focus on doing the very best with what he has given me, using what he has given me to the utmost and have a blast doing it.
Joh10:10b (NIV) I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
God works for the good of those who love him (Rom8:28). He has good things in store for me. I don’t always know what they are, what form they will take or when they will come into my life. My part, I have the power to make decisions about who I chose to be as I represent and strive to be more like him every day. I have the power to be the best friend I know how to be, the best employee, granddaughter, athlete, etc. When I strive to be more like Christ and imitate his character I make the best decisions within my power with assurance. When I pray with thanksgiving I am reminded of God’s power in my life, his timing over my own, and his ways not being mine, but always being better. This gives me greater confidence and allows him to define who I am and who I become. It frees me to live my best life now.
Ps119:32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.