Total Sweetness

The other day I got a thank you note from one of the moms who sent her daughter to VBS. She included this photo of her daughter who had fallen asleep while reading her Bible (she promises that the pic wasn't posed... *smile*). Our theme this year was, "It's in There!" -- all the answers we need for life are in the Bible. I'm actually quite inspired by this little girl's totally sweet example... and jealous (in a good way) of the peace she feels.

I don't know about you, but my thoughts and feelings are so persuasive. When fear grips me, the verdict of doom is irresistible. I can spiral into a grumpy, depressed place for hours or days. When I think I'm right and others are to blame, my own logic can't teach me grace or patience.

But thankfully God has given a resource that's more powerful than my thoughts or feelings. When I choose to rely on them, His promises and instructions can secure me and guide me no matter how chaotic my thoughts, feelings, or situation. When I'm trusting and obeying His instructions, I get in on His peace, which defies all logic (Phil. 4:7).

I am praying daily that I would have more courage to reject my own thoughts and feelings and choose instead to rely on His promises and instructions. One of the lies that's been beating me up lately is that I'm not good enough, smart enough, holy enough... or *whatever* enough to do what God is asking me to do. I get no peace by trying to tell myself that I really am doing well. That just adds fuel to the fire...

The other day I came across Ezekiel 36:22-38, and I've been hanging onto it since then. In that section, God promises to do some incredible, miraculous stuff... But the part that really has my attention is where God repeats, "It is not for your sake that I am about to act..." (v. 22, 32). In other words, all the awesome stuff God is doing is NOT a reward for my good behavior. That's not a shameful condemnation... it's a hopeful promise! If the good stuff God is doing hasn't been earned, then it also can't be lost. I don't have to be good enough, smart enough, or holy enough... I just have to keep my eyes on Him!