I struggle for the words sometimes when I see people that I care for struggling so with their worth, their confidence, their purpose and their guilt.  I scream out in my soul what can I say to make a difference.  I want to help. My heart is heavy. There is no shortage of bad reports, great needs, or disappointing news that come our way, but we do not need to fear it. We must understand that GOD is our source.

The older I get, I understand more of why the Lord allowed me to go down the path I did. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy. When you  have truly struggled with your own demons you recognize the pain in someones else’s  eyes. You want to walk right beside them and let them know, you are not alone. There is a better way. HIs name is Jesus. He can set the captives free.

I have thought and prayed and these are the words I want to say.  God’s word is all truth. It triumphs over  feelings. It triumphs over our past. It triumphs over all.  Nothing can stand against our God.  God’s word says FORGET the former things, do NOT dwell on the past for HE is doing a new thing.  I believe this means forget your formers sins and mistakes. Because over and over in the Bible the Lord tells you to remember what he did for the Israelites. Remember his goodness . SO we have to understand scripture and truly understand what we are suppose to forget.

God loves a humble heart and he opposes the proud. Opposes means to contrast, resist, setting up against something. How I never want my God to resist me. I want my cry to be , If God is for me, who can stand against me? James 4:6 says , But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Know that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God has forgiven us if we have asked. The real question is why will we not forgive ourselves? There is nothing that can keep us from the love of God. He will chase us down. He will not give up. He gave the meaning to persistence and perseverance. 

We must read his word.  Find out what the word says for us, the believers of God. Learn the promises of obedience to God. Two of my favorites are…

Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

(Proverbs 3:1-6 NIV) My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, {2} for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. {3} Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. {4} Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. {5} Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; {6} in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

ALL of us believers have made mistakes. Personally, let me be the first to say my sin resume was LONG ~ But, who the son sets free is free indeed. I know he has given me a new start, a new day because his mercies are new every morning. I can speak of my past and it does not have a hold on me because I don’t live there anymore. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing and it truly does set the captive free.  He wants to do the same for each one reading this. He is ready to do a new thing in you. Remember, we must humble ourselves.

The Lord says TRUST me. He is the God of second chances. He is the God that turns ashes into beauty. He is the God that sits  upon the throne and says, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5 ) “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor 2:9).  You are beyond condemnation says Romans 8:1 You have access to God at any moment says Ephesians 2:18 You will never be abandoned says Hebrews 13:5  You are a member of His kingdom says Col. 1:13

You have a choice to make. Do you trust him? Do you trust him when the water is raging in front of you? DO you trust him when the stack of unpaid bills is in front of you? DO you trust him when the Doctor’s report comes back as facts? Do you trust him that he is bigger than any need we are facing? Again, I say, if God is for us, who or what can stand against us?

My prayer today is… Lord, remove the scales from our eyes. May each one reading this today know, understand and grasp how truly valuable we are in your eyes. I pray for all worries and heartaches be removed in Jesus name. I pray that you will restore to us the joy of our salvation. I thank you that you and you alone appraise our worth. We are sons and daughters of the King. We have been clothed with righteousness for your glory and your purpose. Today, Lord, may we seek your ways. Your plan. Instead of always asking what we want, may we humble ourselves and ask what’s in your ways, what’s in your plan? The only plan that matters. Thank you for loving us with an everlasting love. May we stand for you in all that we do. Each day may we shine brightly for You. Amen ~