SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

“Life is a long lesson in humility.” 
― J.M. Barrie, The Little Minister

PROVERBS 28-29

Submission and humility before God is always the first step...

13Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,

but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,

but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. (28:14-14)

2 CORINTHIANS 7

Guilt is Godly sorrow...worldly sorrow is shame...

10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

JOURNAL 

The human brain and emotions and thoughts are truly amazing. Understanding them and truthfully seeking what they are telling us is the tough part. I am learning that emotions should not be feared. I think a lot of my life I have feared them and have taken steps to shield myself from feeling and experiencing them. Especially when it comes to disappointment, anger and fear. Those are some tough characters and they can be very painful.

I often found ways to ignore them instead of owning them and understanding why I was experiencing them. I know it lead me to have a very shallow relationship with God and in turn to deal dishonestly with people. For there is one thing that relationships will involve and disappointment and anger are two that cannot be avoided. People are flawed and make mistakes and therefore are due to hurt each other.

To ignore the disappointment and anger is to bury it without letting it resolve which is toxic. This leads to all kinds of irrational fears and built up anger that will only serve to eat away at the soul. God is a safe place for all of this. I can safely take it to God, pray through it...let it out and allow God and his word to counsel me in my hurt, anger and fear. When that happens I am able to respond in strength and love.

5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”^a

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 PETER 5:5-6