”For we know that the Torah (Law) is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold to sin. For I do not understand what I am doing—for what I do not want, this I practice; but what I hate, this I do. But if I do what I do not want to do, then I agree with the Torah—that it is good.” (Romans 7:14-16)
I’m tired.
Do you find yourself growing in knowledge and the desire to draw closer to God only to find yourself behaving contrary to what you know is best? I do.
I don’t like to argue or bicker. And yet I find in my family it keeps happening. I cannot put the blame others, because I am in the thick of it most of the time it arises. Whether I provoke or am provoked doesn’t matter. What matters is that the harmony I crave is often not the atmosphere of my home. It disappoints me.
What is your weakness?
Moving forward and then slipping back into old habits, whether it is eating habits, lifestyle, relationship or attitude habits, all must be surrendered to God if we are to overcome.
Thank goodness we are saved by grace, “And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
But we need to overcome our flesh and live in the New Man, by the Holy Spirit within us, forgetting those things of the past, leaving grudges and misunderstandings behind, forgiving and allowing ourselves to be forgiven. And move on!
Moving on consistently is difficult. But possible.
When we are disheartened
We have a God and Father who is consistent. He allows us our griefs to bring us into a fuller and deeper awareness of Him, and a greater desire to be like His son.
And we have a Spirit who is our comforter when we are weak, and a strength to us, which enables us to overcome.
Draw on God
When we have failed, He tells us to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us (James 4:8). He will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), no matter how disheartened we may feel, no matter how we have failed in our effort to grow into His likeness.
Do not be troubled
How many times does the Lord say, do not be troubled? do not worry?
We cannot overcome the world but through Jesus, we have overcome already.
And let us not be disheartened. Our job is to surrender and to strive to be like him.
Our success depends upon him.
He loves us and will always help us and guide us.
Let us keep moving forward, always desiring to love and to do his will and not our own, forgiving ourselves as well as others, allowing him to be the author and finisher of our faith.
As for me
When an argument creeps up, how will I be different to it? I will choose to laugh and to love, and to hope for the best in myself and my family, reminding us to keep a sensible perspective. No family argument is worth the strife it causes. There are bigger battles we will face.
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)