Philippians 4:11-13: You cant wash out Regret
I sat in the passenger seat of my husbands truck and just cried as he and I talked the other day.
I revealed to him that I had let my heart get twisted up and sideways- like he didnt already know I had let my priorities slip- and just how disappointed I was.. in me.
Work has been busy, summer has had me tired, and I have been absent. Absent like not on vacation.. just skating around the house doing what needed to be done with little investment elsewhere.
I read once that if Satan cant beat you, he will at least try and keep you busy.
And he did keep me busy
Do you know what I get asked probably more than anything by my followers?
How do find time to study the Bible?
Let me tell you something. The Bible is food, yall. A relationship and bedtime prayer is not good enough for Jesus. Even if you spend everyday, every thought, with the idea of Jesus if youre not spending time with Him in His word.. youre going to be hungry. Hangry even, I know thats a thing now and probably more appropriate to what Im trying to illustrate.
This hunger is not that belly burning rumble, its subtle until its poked. You dont realize (I dont guess you do, I didnt) until its there.. that one thing that caused you to respond in a way you normally wouldnt.
Hangry. Like devouring an entire deep dish pizza and then having to sit in that.. its misery. Tasted good at the time though didnt it?
What about that argument with your husband about not taking out the trash?.. felt right didnt it? Justified. He deserved it. Until he told you how awful his day was.. and then misery- youre sitting in it.
What about fussing at your kids for ruining your new towels. I mean they should not even been messing with the laundry, they dont do anything else? And then they say, Mama, Im sorry I messed this up- but I just knew youve been really tired and we just wanted to help you Mama. Misery.
**Disclaimer: these examples are not based on real life events but provided for illustration as an opportunity to learn**
Subtle.. until poked, eliciting a greater than normal- or totally different than normal- response.
The Bible is food, and yall were hungry. I mean I dont know about you but I make time for lunch every day. Sometimes twice.
It takes less than five minutes to have a change in circumstance; less than that to have a change in your feelings.
Anybody else have that one child that can poke you faster than any of the others or is that just me?
and we have to be ready for that.
When you leave for a four hour trip in the car with 3 under the age of 4- you get ready. You go potty and pack a snack or there will be at least one explosion.
.and you really think that a wet car seat makes for a bad day until you have a wet face because you werent prepared.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. in any and every circumstance, I have learned that secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
learned:having much knowledge acquired bystudy.
whatever:used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to anything,no matter what
content:in a state ofpeace.
We will have good days, the best days we will also have bad ones, the ones that feel like the worse and the secret to survival that doesnt lead to heartache and regret is the same Jesus.
The way you feel on a day-to-day basis can change in a moment, several times a day if youre like me Situations.. circumstances people problems changing.. all the time. Do not let your day dictate your demeanor and dont let a temporary circumstance compromise your character.
I have.
I let my heart get twisted around because I let the life I have been given supersede what gives me life. I didnt regularly feed my appetite for our Lord because I was too busy or too tired and because of that, what I have learned in all my studying became rusty, I said things I shouldnt have even though I know thatno matter whatI am called to a different response, and because of those things my soul was stirred and my peace robbed.
Satan stole my time, crippled my character, and destroyed my peace. (John 10:10)
Busy is what he does; its what he waits on; this is what he plans. (Luke 4:13)
Satan cannot defeat you, but he can disarm you.
You will absolutely be tested (1st Peter 4:12), but Jesus will not test you beyond what you can bear, and for every chance Satan tempts you, Jesus also gives you an opportunity of escape. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
but its our choice.
Its not that difficult to clean up a soiled carseat but regret? thats hard to wash out.
Obedience is our job; outcome is His
God rewards those faithful to Him, and He only wants whats best for us. Not what feels best. Even if it hurts, we have not missed Gods protection over our lives. He has a much greater purpose than helping us avoid pain- its to make us better servants for Him. God guides us through circumstances- not helps us escape them.
Make the time before you make the mistake.
Hugs,
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