On Sunday I was not feeling great. I think I was just exhausted. My neck hurt, my head hurt, my body felt depleted...emotions were raw, depression lurking in the corners of my heart and mind. It wasn't a good day. On top of that everything I tried to do went awry in some way. I finally had had enough and cried out to the Lord. I accused Him of hating me.
Okay, so the pity party didn't last long. Thankfully they don't anymore. LOL I decided to get my coffee and sit with the Lord for a little while, just resting with Him. I'm doing a study in the Pilgrim's Progress and the part I'm up to is when Christian is getting ready to leave the Palace Beautiful and continue on his journey to the Celestial City. The Palace Beautiful represents the church, the Celestial City represents Heaven. Christian's journey is a series of ups and downs and various encounters that represent our own walk through life to our ultimate destination, the arms of our Lord.
Before Christian leaves the Palace Beautiful he suits up for battle. I am reminded I need to keep my armor on...not lay it down and become vulnerable to the devil's schemes to separate me from the Lord. Visit number one. Self pity steals our armor.
Ephesians 6: 10-17 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Second visit. Fast forward to Monday. I do a sweet devotional on Mondays before I rush off to start a busy day of kitten/cat shelter and then a full work day. This comes from "Jesus Always" by Sarah Young. "Nonetheless, I see you with perfect clarity. I know everything about you, including your most secret thoughts and feelings. I understand how broken and weak you are; I remember that you are dust. Yet I choose to love you with everlasting love.
Jesus reminded me that His love is everlasting, not dependent on me....but driven and based on His heart, His choice, His character.
Jeremiah 31:3 Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
What a wonderful God we serve. This is real. He gets real with us. Meets us right where we are, both with correction and encouragement, direction and assurance. Can anyone be more blessed than His children!?!?
Lord, thank You. I had forgotten Your love, forgotten to stand firm, and was spiraling down into the dark pit of self pity when You lifted me up. Please let each person reading this be reminded how we stand in Your armor, not in our own power and how much you love us, eternally, continually, and completely. In Jesus most loving Name. Amen.
Put on your armor, and stand knowing you are eternally loved.
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