1 Cor 2:9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”--
This may sound a little strange but I may have found a "practical" reason to keep my eyes focused on Christ. Now I know this is not an original idea by any means but if you are anything like me you need to be reminded of this "simple" truth often. I think I may have just understood something substantial. Here is what "clicked".
I have noticed that I have a tendency of thinking I deserve things when I find myself working harder than others. Or at least I think I am working harder than others. When I see people receive things without as much work and it is just giving to them. How things can just work out for others and even if I tried to make things work they didn't end up working out for me. It is frustrating to say the least. I than become impatient with my situation, others, get angry and than become bitter. When I am in the mindset of being bitter or thinking "woe is me" I am not happy and find I have a difficult time motivating myself to do things I know I should. I realize this sounds very negative so far but don't worry it will pick up. So than I begrudgingly force myself to act happy which inevitably makes me feel worse.
After all this thought process and with a sigh I started watching Does the Truth matter anymore? A video about keeping biblical truth in our lives and church today. As verses came past on the video and clear cut Biblical truth was being spoken at once I was getting that zeal and happiness of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ again. How as Christians happiness is not to come from what we possess or situations we live in but to be content where we are. To realize that even if we had everything in the world right now it would all pass away! It is temporary! One thing does not pass away though. It isn't said any better than at the end of this poem by C.T.Studd.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ‘twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
My point is this, if you are feeling down about yourself or situation it's most probably because you are focusing on yourself. Do something that reminds you of Christ and His love for you. He truly is amazing!
Thank you Father for being so patient with a selfish sinner like me.
JMScallan
(Full Poem can be found here)
Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them.- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”--
This may sound a little strange but I may have found a "practical" reason to keep my eyes focused on Christ. Now I know this is not an original idea by any means but if you are anything like me you need to be reminded of this "simple" truth often. I think I may have just understood something substantial. Here is what "clicked".
I have noticed that I have a tendency of thinking I deserve things when I find myself working harder than others. Or at least I think I am working harder than others. When I see people receive things without as much work and it is just giving to them. How things can just work out for others and even if I tried to make things work they didn't end up working out for me. It is frustrating to say the least. I than become impatient with my situation, others, get angry and than become bitter. When I am in the mindset of being bitter or thinking "woe is me" I am not happy and find I have a difficult time motivating myself to do things I know I should. I realize this sounds very negative so far but don't worry it will pick up. So than I begrudgingly force myself to act happy which inevitably makes me feel worse.
After all this thought process and with a sigh I started watching Does the Truth matter anymore? A video about keeping biblical truth in our lives and church today. As verses came past on the video and clear cut Biblical truth was being spoken at once I was getting that zeal and happiness of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ again. How as Christians happiness is not to come from what we possess or situations we live in but to be content where we are. To realize that even if we had everything in the world right now it would all pass away! It is temporary! One thing does not pass away though. It isn't said any better than at the end of this poem by C.T.Studd.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ‘twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
My point is this, if you are feeling down about yourself or situation it's most probably because you are focusing on yourself. Do something that reminds you of Christ and His love for you. He truly is amazing!
Thank you Father for being so patient with a selfish sinner like me.
JMScallan
(Full Poem can be found here)
Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them.- Charles Haddon Spurgeon