When you think about yourself, what do you think about? Is it the good and righteous things you are in Christ? Is it the things that other people see in you? Or is it the things you keep hidden? Is it the things you feel guilty about that lead you to believe you’re no good?
Do you see yourself as the good and faithful servant, or the prodigal son that feels lost?
You see, there’s always things in our lives that we’re not proud of. Things that make us feel bad or guilty. We don’t want others to see them or know about them. But we’re aware that God sees and knows. This can make us feel worse at times though.
You have your “demons,” I know. So do I. We all do. It’s the things we want to keep in the closet. But if you’re anything like me, sometimes they take dominance in your life, at least, it feels like it… And you struggle. You struggle to see the good around you. You struggle with taking notice of God’s presence beside you. You struggle overcoming temptation or seeing the good in yourself.
Your demons are all you seem to see and they egg you on to try and get you to fall. But even amongst the struggles, even amongst your demons, the truth will always shine through.The question is, what are you choosing to focus on?
There is a spiritual battle waging war in every single one of us. Temptation is all around. The enemy is constantly prowling around like a roaring lion, waiting to trip you up and devour you. He’ll throw everything he has at you too. He’ll try and feed your head with lies. He’ll bring up the past as well, he likes doing that. You know, from before you gave your life to Christ? He’ll try making you think you’ve never changed. He’ll try and use your worldly desires, and the things you try to keep hidden. But there is another standing by during these attacks.
We aren’t alone. God is there, right beside us. As it says in Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Focus on God. Choose to focus on Him.
He’s prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies. Stop focusing on them, take a seat at the table, and focus on the one sitting there and what He has to say.
Who are you?
You are chosen. You are adopted as His child. You are forgiven. You are saved because of His love and mercy. You belong to Him. Nothing can separate you from God and His love. Your eternal life with Christ remains certain and secure. Nothing is too difficult for God. He helps you grow, change, overcome. The things you struggle with, the things you keep hidden, don’t define you. You are a masterpiece. Don’t believe any of this? Read Ephesians.
Yeah, you might only see the bad about yourself right now. But that’s because of the enemy whispering in your ear, “Maybe you aren’t really saved because you can’t be.” The thing about that, is that Jesus’ blood being poured out is a bold and strong statement that proves the enemy’s whisper is a lie.
Anyway, I just wanted to remind you of this. Sometimes it’s needed… Especially if you find yourself in a dark place. You don’t need to stay there. Jesus, the shining light himself, is standing there right beside you holding out his hand waiting for you to focus on him and take it. The prodigal son returned, don’t you think it’s about time you did the same?
But I’ll leave this blog post on this note:
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
Scriptural Musings with Booferchick 