Back to the drawing board. Do you ever feel that way? Like you’ve been making progress only to blow it again, feeling defeated?
Sanctification is heart and soul work. It is not easy, but it can be sweet when you yield to the process, to Him.
But then there are days when instead of yielding, I give way to yelling. And if not yelling, my words certainly aren’t seasoned with salt or giving grace to those who hear. I start fighting the wrong battle, and instead of wielding my sword with precision, aiming at the enemy, I just start striking at anything or anyone. My words fly like arrows, they pierce.
Sigh. Back to the drawing board. I’m grateful that Jesus doesn’t leave me to pick up the pieces alone. Going it alone, without Him, is how I made my mess in the first place.
I need all His hand holding, but sometimes, like my headstrong toddler, I yank my hand away and try to charge on ahead, thinking, “I do it myself!”
It’s not long before I come running back to Abba God crying, “Up, please!”
In Him. That’s where I’m held together (Colossians 1:17).
In Him. That’s where I bear the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
He’s a strong dad, a strong tower. The righteous run to Him and are safe (Proverbs 18:10)!
I’m learning “safe” doesn’t just mean protection from the enemy’s tactics. It means safe from my own foolish ways.
Prayer:
God, hold my hand, firm grip, even when I’m fighting You. And put that strong hand over my mouth when I’m not wise enough to use some restraint, when I go to playing with matches and set a whole forest ablaze. Words are fire, but oh, Lord, so are You! Consume, make room. My heart needs You in every nook and cranny, every heartbeat in rhythm with Yours. When we’re back to the drawing board, draw me near to You, wash me and set my feet back on the level path. Persistent, extravagant is Your kindness and grace, and I’m forever grateful.
