Four weeks ago I wrote about forgiveness.
Three weeks ago I wrote about guilt.
Two weeks ago I wrote about running from God.
Last week I wrote about the charming qualities of jealousy and bitterness.
Let’s see where this week takes us with the #SheSharesTruth linkup…
I love this week’s verses out of Joshua because they’re plain inspiring and I feel like these are power verses I can use as motivation to change some bad habits I have.
Bad habit #1 – Not spending enough (focused) time in the Word.
Bad habit #2 – Not turning to God first in times of anxiety.
The first verse says:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
How true is that?! If I make sure I’m reading the Bible every single day – and truly reading it, not just skimming it – I cannot help but be influenced by the words that God has written for us. Unfortunately, I don’t always make the time. Sure, during Lent I’m making the effort to read the New Testament, and I’m sticking with my reading plan, but I don’t have that same motivation all year round. And to be honest, sometimes I find myself ‘power reading’ verses at night or during my commute just to make sure I get them all in each day. I’m sure I’m still deriving a benefit (or a few) from this half-hearted skimming, but it’s not quite the same as reading and digesting the words during a quiet time of the day.
It is painfully clear (especially in this verse) that to be transformed, I need to spend more time reading the Bible, that’s all there is to it.
And then the second verse of this passage:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Wow, that is powerful stuff, and I know that it’s exactly what I need to be reading at this (transitional) time in my life.
These last few days have been especially overwhelming to me. I think this whole ‘impending motherhood’ thing has really gotten my brain riled up. I’ll talk blog more about this topic later, but I don’t know whether to blame pregnancy hormones or the fact that we have under three months left until our little one’s arrival, but I am feeling both intimidated and anxious when I think about my to-do list. Which is not at all consistent with how I’ve been feeling the past six months. It’s kind of a bummer.
I must confess that in times like these, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and anxious, I do not turn to God naturally. I go elsewhere first (friends, family, my journal, deep inside my own thoughts…), and then when I’m truly desperate, I remember I should have been praying about my situation and only then do I turn to God. For some reason, it’s easier for me to pray about my blessings than it is for me to pray about what I want/need/etc. I have no time recognizing that God has provided for me in my life, but once anxious thoughts enter my head (no doubt put there by the devil) I have a hard time remembering to pray to God and to ask him what His will is in my life.
It seems like it would be opposite, right?! I have no idea why I don’t turn to God first when I actually need him, but I can admit that I don’t, and that I’m working on changing that bad habit.
Trust me, I don’t get it either.
The point is, I haven’t been praying about my anxieties, which is a shame because I know (and these verses specifically say that) the Lord does not want me to be afraid or discouraged, because I’m not at my best when those feelings take over my mind and zap my energy from me. I need to overcome these emotions, and I have no doubt that I can with the help of God. Unfortunately, I often forget to give my worries over to God, which is why I desperately needed to read this exact message this week.
I’ve identified the bad habits, but what am I going to do to overcome them?
Well, to kick the bad habits I previously mentioned, I’m going to attempt to pray every morning instead of at night. I’m hoping this helps to start my day off on the right foot. Instead of thanking God each night for the countless blessings He’s bestowed upon me, my goal is to ask Him each morning how He wants me to spend my day, and ask for guidance. Along with this, I want to be more conscious about spending time in the Word each and every day, even after Lent is over. I think the Bible has a great power to transform, but I need to put the time into it.
Phew, deep stuff on a Friday, right?! I hope you felt similarly convicted/moved/motivated through these verses! If just two verses can have such an impact, it’s amazing to think of what the entire Bible can do for those who spend time in reflection with it.
When do you (most often) pray and spend time in the Word?
Do you tend to talk to God more when things are going well, or when things get tough?
I hope you’re having a wonderful (and blessed) end to your week!
Cheers!
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