originally published July 7, 2019
Do you ever wake up with thoughts of the past that stir up regrets, or thoughts of the future that stir up fears? This morning was one of those mornings for me.
As I lay there, struggling with the ‘if onlys’ of the past and the ‘what ifs’ of the future, God, in His goodness, prodded me with His Spirit, reminding me (speaking words right into my very soul, it seemed) to fix my thoughts on Him. He was specific, reminding me that this is the day that the Lord has made, and I should rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). He whispered, Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. I quickly rose in the strength of the reminders – knowing they were words of life and victory over the enemy’s attempt to steal and kill and destroy – but I found myself still trying to shake off the regrets and fears that had been stirred up; unfortunately, they didn’t shake off like sand but stuck like caked-on dirt. He rescued me, though, with one final word – PEACE – reminding me that those who trust in Him and fix their thoughts on Him are kept in perfect peace (Isa. 26:3). With that, I was able to move forward, thankful to be free from the debris of fears and regrets, and find myself in worship and awe of God’s goodness.
Thankfulness leads to an awe of God that fills the heart and overflows in worship ~💜
As I spent time in the wonder and worship of what had just transpired, I looked up the reference He had whispered about Jesus being the author and finisher of my faith – curious as to why that verse for this situation, and I found these words preceding those:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down (i.e. Fears and regrets) especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus … Hebrews 12:1-2
Familiar words for sure, hidden away in my heart/mind but not thought of or quoted for a while now – but certainly putting into deeper perspective the beauty of how God uses His Spirit and His Word in our lives.
…the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26
My child pay attention to what I say, listen carefully to My words. Don’t lose sight of them, for they are life to those who find them and healing to their whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22
Prayer: Father, You are good, and in Your goodness You have won the battle over the thoughts of regrets and fear that plagued my mind. When You are for us, what can stand against us? So, in gladness I have risen to meet this day, and with thanksgiving I fix my eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of my faith, through whom I find forgiveness and renewed strength. It is with steadfast hope and thanksgiving that I entrust – not just this day – but all the days of my future, whether here on earth or in heaven with You. Yes, God, You are good, and I thank You for Your Presence in my life and for the work of Your Spirit to remind me of everything You have said. You are a good, good Father! It’s who You are, and You are mine because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know You are working all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose – and in this TRUTH I find PEACE. Thank you for intimately knowing every detail of my life, for knowing the words I needed to hear this morning, and for speaking them into me. Is it any wonder that I love and trust You? For surely I have tasted and seen that You are Good! My heart is exceedingly glad ~ and forever thankful!
Blessings – Me from the Inside Out 💕
For more on the meaning of Psalm 118:24, click here –>Rejoice and be glad in it…Â
