At some point in our lives we came to an understanding that we could not continue as we were. We longed to have control over chaos and confusion. We tried anger, intimidation, and violence, thinking they would shield us, or help get our needs met. We lied, cheated, and manipulated to try to get our own way. We tried “walking on eggshells”, running away, silence, or co-dependently propping up those we feared. None of these things gave us sanity. Our lives were unmanageable, and we knew it. We were powerless to change things for the better.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT)
God has promised to show us a way through our pain and confusion, to a life that is filled with peace. God does not lie. Life will be good if we make the choice to do things God's way. Will it all be fixed in a day? No. Will there be challenges that stretch us to face our pain? Yes. Will we need support and encouragement to carry on and do the right thing when we feel like giving up? Yes. Will we be tempted to jump into a short term “solution” that involves familiar coping strategies like anger, lying, silence, or alternate addictions? Yes. Did they work before? No. Will they work now? No. Are we willing to give up handling things in our own way and embrace the new way God has shown us? If not, we need to ask ourselves, why not?
Without surrender to God’s ways our lives will remain unmanageable and we will likely return to our old life of frustration and emptiness. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we are given the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. He is the power that enables change in our lives.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus, for being willing to die for my sins and restore me to sanity. I accept Your help, forgiveness and healing. As I live according to Your will, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit will direct me in the way of a good, pleasing, and perfect life. Amen.
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