Ever feel beaten up after spending time in the Word?
Ever feel like there is so much sin in your life that you simply want to run away from it all because you don’t know where to start?
Add in the guilt and condemnation that the enemy adds to our lives and
it can be enough for us to want to hide in the closet and never come out!
At times, reading the Bible and praying can be overwhelming! And depressing. It seems like God is shining stadium lights on some really dark corners of my life.
Several times, I experienced this while studying James with our SISTERS group. With every verse, I was bombarded with the amount of yuck in my life all proving a little deeper how much I need a Savior.
The hard truth is that each point really is an area of my life that needs serious attention. But where do I start? How can I come out a survivor instead of being buried in shame?
First, it says in Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” While guilt can be healing, condemnation is not from God. We have been set free!
Second, God loves to give grace. Third, He doesn’t ask us to do anything in life alone. And finally, He won’t ask us to do anything that He won’t enable us to do.
Today, choose one.
Instead of getting bogged down by all the yuck, choose one area to focus on today.
What will it be?
Anger? Self-control? Love? Envy?
Whatever the area, invite the Holy Spirit to point it out as you go about your day. At least one time today, make the right choice concerning this sin instead of the wrong choice you would typically make.
Then remember that if you make just one better choice, you have made progress.
And progress is all Jesus is asking of you!
What is your area of focus today?