Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Shadow of the Almighty

You know those times where you feel like you don’t do anything right? You offend everyone you talk to? You waste time that you don’t have? You look around at your life and all you see are failures? Maybe it’s just me but I struggle with these thoughts every so often. I’m never sure how I got here, how I slipped so low that I can’t seem to pull myself out. I was fine just the other day, wasn’t I?

I know that this is Satan. He is a master of discouragement and loves to see me wallow in depression and despondency. And I hate to give him the satisfaction of victory in pointing out every flaw I have and having me focus on them.

If you are like me and occasionally find yourself standing face-to-face with every area of your life that isn’t up to snuff, let me share a thought — take a step to the left. I think the reason I can get lost in my sin is because I’m no longer standing behind Christ. I’ve moved from His shadow and am standing on my own, a prime target for Satan and his nasty darts. Christ needs to stand between me and the Devil in order for me to be victorious. His blood covers me and is the only thing that can overcome my human nature and help me become Christlike. Psalm 91 is a great passage that encourages me when I’m feeling vulnerable. I especially like verse 2: “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!’”

What verses encourage you when you’re feeling like life is getting the better of you?

Patty Dextrom

3 comments:

  1. Patty,I love Isaiah 43...the whole chapter, but especially, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." and it goes on to say how much He cares for me. (He knows my name...and I am His!) Patricia Harvey

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  2. Oh, Patty, it isn't just you!
    God leads me to different verses on different occasions, but one of my favorites is Psalm 37:7, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when..." and I always finish off that sentence with whatever thing I'm tempted to fret about on that particular day.

    ~Karen

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  3. Thanks for sharing both these verses. I've tucked them away for the next time I'm feeling defeated.

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