JUNE 8, 2022

 "I don't know when we all bought into the idea that in order to change you must "feel" eager or "feel" motivated to act. It's complete garbage. The moment it's time to assert yourself, you will not feel motivated. In fact, you won't feel like doing anything at all."

-Mel Robbins 

2 CHRONICLES 26-28

3Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear^b of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. (26:3-5)....16But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.(26:16)

6Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.(27:6)

22In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. 23He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, “Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel. (28:22-23)

JOHN 17

20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you^e known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

JOURNAL 

In reading scripture...it is, plain as day...seek God, follow and obey him and God will bless you with a purposeful, meaningful life and will use you to accomplish his purposes. This is the source of true confidence and true courage. However, disobey, ignore, become conceited and go your own way and a downfall will be certain.

I also see this in Jesus' last prayer before he is arrested. Power comes through God...from following and God's spirit residing within. It has nothing to do with inspiration. Jesus felt anguish and despair and yet he persisted.  Far too often I rely on emotion and feelings and try to find feelings of contentment, peace and joy. However the reality is that these only truly come when I am residing in a place of peace with God and walking in step with him. Circumstances or things can never give me that peace. It only comes from being one in heart with God. That comes through action...not through thought. Feelings betray and often will lead me to delay, procrastinate and ignore God's direction. Action rooted in God's direction through prayer and study of God's word is the only true place of peace. 

What is confusing is that some actions lead to circumstances that fill me with moments of peace and contentment...but the reality is that peace and contentment is still entirely from God...not from the situation or circumstance. 

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.^a

PROVERBS 3:5-6