"My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care." (1 Corinthians 7:32a AMPC)
I've been talking to a lot of hurting people lately and it got me to wondering what's the common thread? Sometimes it's approval addiction, the need to be accepted or liked, poor, or wrong, self-esteem, manipulation, not recognizing truth, especially God's truth, and so much more.
I felt their pain. I listened, prayed, and encouraged while seeking the Lord in how I could help them and many others going through the same thing.
Wondering made me realize how important it is for us to dig deeper to find the answers and realize we can find them at the feet of Jesus. He paid a dear price for us to be whole and we need to embrace this gift of wholeness despite what we see and what we feel.
"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." (John 10:10 AMPC)
Jesus is about the abundant life, while the enemy wants us confused to make us easier prey for him to steal, kill, and destroy.
We don't have to face any of this alone:
“He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5b AMPC)
Jesus provided a way out - give it to Him!
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 AMPC)
There's work we must do also, but it begins with recognizing we can't do this on our own. We need His help.
Sometimes we must ask tough questions:
Why have I discounted my value to stay where I'm not valued? (Knowing who you are in Christ is your foundation and gives you balance. Seeing yourself as God sees you also helps you set boundaries that won't allow others to lessen your value or manipulate you!)
Why am I okay with accepting less when Jesus wants to give me so much more? (Be willing to wait on God. Remember what happened to Saul when he didn't wait! He paid a steep price for doing it his way. See 1st Samuel 13:8-14)
Why do I stay longer than I should? (Do not settle for less than when God has so much more, exceedingly, abundantly above, more for you! “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].” Ephesians 3:20 AMPC)
Why do I keep repeating the same cycles repeatedly? (Look for patterns and ask the Lord to show you how to break the cycle and recognize the patterns!)
What is unhealed in me that needs healing? (Brokenness can cause broken choices and relationships. Get healed and walk free!)
Am I willing to do the work, the hard work, needed to walk in health; spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and/or physically? (Know there is a cost and determine whether you're willing, and ready, to pay the price!)
Why do I allow the circumstances to place blame at my feet and accept that it's all my fault? (It's not all you or all them. Own your part but don't own what isn't yours.)
Invite Jesus into your pain, stress, confusion, or whatever is going on. He wants so much more for you. He's the missing piece that will heal you.
Hold on to this precious promise:
"Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]." (Isaiah 53:4 AMPC)
I'm praying that you walk in the fullness of the finished work of the cross.
Be Encouraged! ❤