Rationalizing (3)
Friday June 23, 2017
Rationalizing endorses the internal belief that we are victims of circumstances beyond our control. Having lived for so long not taking responsibility for our actions and being unwilling to work through problems, it can now seem overwhelming to sort through and own our part in where we stand today. We make excuses for our actions based on the hurt we have sustained. We reason that our wrong choices are justified because of what we have experienced.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (2 Corinthians 9:8, Philippians 2:13, 4:13 NLT)
There may be traumatic events in our past to which we still have emotional links and the resulting fear translates into rationalizing. God wants to heal our wounds and set us free from the false belief the evil one attached to those memories. Are we willing to be healed, or will we continue to let the devil “kick us while we are down?”
The trigger to our rationalizing may be a bitter root of unforgiveness against someone who harmed us or didn’t help us when they should have. Our way is to hold on to the hate and rationalize why we have a right to it. God’s way is restoration through forgiveness given, and received. Continuing to choose our own way through rationalizing, rather than God’s way of forgiving, will have a damaging effect on our recovery.
We need to ask the God who loves us unconditionally to show us the root of those things that cause damage to our lives. As we seek God in all our ways, we can be sure He will give us guidance and the power to make good choices that will set us free.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to forgive those hurtful things that set me on a wrong course in life. Today, I choose to surrender my will and life over to your care. I trust You to give me the desire and power to do what pleases You. Amen
©2017 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
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