Jehovah Shalom-The Lord is peace
Jehovah Nissi-The Lord my banner
Jehovah Rapha-The Lord that heals
Jehovah Shammah-The Lord is there
Jehovah Tsidkenu-The Lord my righteousness
Jehovah Sabaoth-The Lord of hosts
El Shaddai-Lord God Almighty
El Elyon-Most High God
Names of God....that is the study that I've been listening to on my Joyce Meyer's podcast as I run the past couple of weeks. The name God gave Himself when He spoke to Moses in the burning bush was I AM. And God is. God is healing. God is peace. God is provider. HE IS. When I encounter any situation in my life I do so with I AM. Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, " I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you."
As I listened to one of the podcasts, Joyce explained how she used to see problems as just that, problems....something to be avoided, complained about. But now she sees them a challenges that she can overcome in the Lord's strength. It delights her to see how He will work in difficult circumstances, whether on the outside or coming from within.
So, I'm like...."yeah, that's really a good way to look at them, but....." And confirmation came the next day. I had read the "Jesus Calling" devotional for May 8th a couple of days before, but it didn't stand out to me until I reread it yesterday. But there it was....God knew I was ready to hear this now...."Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle." Really, again with the troubles and problems as challenges! Hmmmm. Think the Lord is trying to tell me something here? I kind of feel like putting my hands over my ears and singing lalalalalalalal.....lol
Something else Joyce said, and this goes to application...whenever we hear something, a teaching, a sermon, read an instructive article or book, do so with the intention of putting into practice what we learn. This is the hard part. Knowing that I should view struggles with persistent sin, bothersome daily snafus, hard to handle people, emotional ups and downs....all of it that troubles and causes pain and grief as challenges that I can overcome through Jesus and by His power working within me is the easy part. Doing it, remembering to do it is where the real challenge lies. One of the challenges Joyce said she faced was the habit of complaining. She said she would challenge herself to go 1 hour at a time without complaining...it became like a game of sorts.
So my God visit came as instrution to change my view of difficulties. Knowing each day I will face imperfection, in myself, others and my circumstances; beginning each day asking for the Lord to equip me to handle whatever comes in such a way as to bring Him glory is my starting point for this endeavor. Then as I go through, I continue to keep in contact with Him, bringing to Him each situation that causes me concern or disquiet or outright heartbreak. He provides. He heals. He brings peace. He is in control. He is there.
Thank You Lord for being everything I need. Help me to rely on You for each and every moment of my day, each step and each breath. Help me to see the solution to living a life that glorifies You in all things, find joy in the difficulties and share Your love with others. Remind me. Remind me. Remind me. Thank You.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
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