I am stubborn, oh, so stubborn! I am rebellious. Under my own power, I am bent toward sin. The second I lay His precious Word aside, my back turns to His love and runs. I am inclined to guilt, shame, and digging deep holes of sorrow for myself. Sin is the purchase and miserable depression is the price I pay. I long for fleeting pleasure, yet it never satisfies. There is nothing in me that wants Him. My fleshly heart is overtaken by daily desires. I crave lovers less wild than He and let them claim my love. I put worthless idols on the throne of my heart and give myself over to glorifying myself.
This is a picture of my heart when the flesh wins. When the flesh wins, I am a pathetically lost creature. Under my own power, I fall and stumble. I crave and chase after the very things that will kill me and are so quick to steal away my joy. This is my heart.
Praise the Lord, Oh my soul! He Has saved me from such a sorry state of being!!!
I cannot say it any other way, praise Him in the morning, Praise Him in the evening. He has done a great work in my heart! He has taken upon my sinful heart and changed it, even covering the sins yet to come. These sins do not claim my life, No! But the blood of my Sweet Savior has laid hold upon my longing heart. His desires have been planted and deeply rooted within my heart forever! There is no work that I can add, nor take away that will change HIS great work in me! Nothing can separate me from the the love of Christ!!! I will forever praise Him.
Lord,
Help me reflect upon YOUR great work in my heart. Help me to daily be reminded that it is not about what I do or have done in the past, but it is about what YOU have done for me. You have shown me endless grace that matches and far surpasses my sin. You have clothed me in Your love and peace and Fatherly care. Lord, let my praises never cease! Even in moments of sinful sorrow, open the eyes of my heart to see YOU and be motivated to glorify You alone! Lord, this life is so fleeting- take away my desires for it. You alone are worthy Lord, and I am Your undeserving child. Help me to know You and know Your love.
Amen
This is just what's been on my heart lately. If you have found yourself feeling lost, though you are saved, know that there is hope. He breaks us down and molds us into who He wants us to be. Our rebelliousness has bigger implications on our souls than the fleeting pleasure of sin will let on. Stay strong in the Lord- your weakness are nothing compared to the strength He imparts upon us. Keep your mind focused on His glory alone and fight the good fight of faith. Keep your eyes on the prize. ASK Him for a heart bent on His glory. ASK Him to reveal your heart. ASK Him to shape and mold You. It is His work in our hearts that brings us peace, joy and satisfaction. Thank Him, petition Him, and love Him even when you can't feel Him. He is always holding You close. You are His dearly beloved child.
simul justus et peccator
"simultaneously justified and sinful"
Love in Christ,
Laura
