Daily Devotion for August 8, 2006

Always Growing

 

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 21:52

 

This past week, I found myself feeling like a failure. I felt that every important relationship in my life was flat-my relationship with God, my relationships with my children and friends. I had let everything get weed-covered and dried out. I could feel myself doing it, but really felt helpless to change it. It’s like I knew I was going over the falls, but I felt that I had nowhere to grab onto. Perhaps, okay not perhaps, but indeed, God was throwing me a lifeline, but I was too scared to open my eyes and grab onto it. It was easier to close my eyes hard and cry.

 

 I went to worship, and started crying as soon as I tried I had nothing in me that wanted to sing, clap my hands, or pray. I was so very empty. I had confessed to God that morning that I knew that I had let all of my relationships go unattended, first and foremost, my relationship with Him. Wouldn’t you know it? The whole message that He gave me from His word was about just that.

 

Scripture spoke to me. It said that if our relationship with God was not strong, no other relationship in our life stood a chance. I knew that what Scripture was saying was the truth. I confessed, cried some more, and confessed again. It wasn’t until this Monday morning that I began to feel better.

 

 Yesterday, I went out of my way to be nice to everyone in my life—to God, my family. I keep thinking I’m past this point, of thinking I can do it all on my own. I keep thinking that I’ve made it. When will I learn that I will grow in my faith and walk with God? Jesus even did that! I need to stay available for my family, and my friends. It’s not my life to keep to myself anymore, not since I gave it to Him.

 

 Won’t you confess what is hard today, ask for forgiveness, and experience the joy of repentance and love? You’re going to do it eventually; it might as well be sooner than later.

 

Prayer
Once again, God, I am here at your feet thanking you for saving me from my lonely solitude. Help me to come into the light and stay there, for that is where things, and I, truly grow. Amen.

 

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