Which side?

hope

Aug 1

As I was watering the vegetables this morning, I realized I'd taken sides.

For every circumstance, there are two ways to see it, for the follower of Christ.

One side is the perspective of the flesh, where pride, fear, doubt, and selfish ambition cause any of the these: a lack of peace, self-pity, worry, striving, envy, covetousness, anger, or even despair.

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
James 4:1‭-‬3 KJV

The other side stands in the truth of scripture and praises God, no matter the outcome.

Job 1:21 NKJV — And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Romans 8:28 KJV — And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

As believers in Christ Jesus, we can walk through suffering or joy, disappointment or encouragement, tragedy or blessing with steadfast faith in Jesus and the salvation He gives.

Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV — I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

We can cling to scripture and trust God.

Job 13:15a KJV — Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:...

Last night was a bit rough.

I had a migraine, my asthma was a bit troublesome, and my heart is hurting for others experiencing great difficulties, despite all this my heart sang a song from Sunday's worship throughout.

It was still with me when I got up and went slowly outside.

It was as I praised God for the water, the garden, and our children who were doing my chores for me, that I realized I'd chosen sides.

Continually worshipping God had enabled me to see things through His blessings and hold to His truths.

Choosing to worship has meant choosing to side with Christ and resting in His direction, protection, and Sovereignty.

As I trust God for His plan for my day, I'm going to continue to praise Him.

What have you chosen?

I pray it's trusting in the Lord Jesus with all your heart and worshiping Him through thick and thin.

Philippians 4:4 NLT — Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me the blessings of worship and a heart stayed upon You. Lord, there are many who are walking through extreme trials and tribulations just now. My heart aches for the hurting. I know You feel even more than I. Please touch them where they are. Please comfort them in their sorrow and remind those who follow You, that this world is not their home, but You are preparing a place for them in Heaven. Lord, for those who have yet to know You, who have not chosen to follow, please shine the light of Your truth into their hearts and minds. Unshackle their thoughts from lies and unbind their hearts from the snares of the enemy. Please reach those who need You the most and bring them to Yourself. Lord, I know scripture is clear, some will always reject You and Your gift of salvation. How that must break Your heart, it does mine. Lord, thank You for dieing for each and every one of us. Thank You for loving us so much. May my life bring glory to Your name. I love You, Jesus. Psalm 122:1 KJV — A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Amen!

Comment