It's been a busy week at work. I am challenged by my "slowness" and confronted by repeated mistakes. And to make matters worse that triggered a prideful discouragement and such negativity in my thoughts and words.
The Holy Spirit "whispered" a reminder - something true learned through popular Christian jargon that if it is ASAP to ALWAYS STOP AND PRAY. To STOP (don't reply don't speak don't do), Pray, then listen, think, and only then do, speak, respond. But I have cried at my work desk, even on the phone with one of my managers, in anxious panic that my mistakes defined my worth. I have complained and spoken fears and negative things some of which don't even have any truth in them. And this "fleshy" sinful anxious prideful ugly negative responses have saddened and broken my heart.
But this morning, these strict but sweet words, remind me not to worth about earthly prosperity much, it will for sure quickly fade anyway.
It encourages me, that I will indeed be continually tested and tempted by pride and other sins, and it is simply the testing of my faith ... and best yet ...it give endurance "a chance to grow."
I am encouraged by the eternal perspective of my struggle (internal and external), and by the very practical advice James provides.
Ask God for help and wisdom; and trust Him to give it to you. Plus all the encouragement about How God doesn't change, how all good things come from Him; He choose to give us life and light; so He is most definitely the most reliable relationship and source. No need to doubt Him.
So I must with patient long suffering endure and resist temptations ... the temptations to complain, to be self centered.
I have to apply the wisdom God has given and remember that my sinful pride wants to tie me up and lead me astray.
Such practical steps to keep us from being led astray ... (I love the practicality here because life comes at you fast and sinful desires are tricky so in those fast intense moments, I have practical steps to remember and follow, until I can lift my "eyes" to the life and light of God).
By following these steps, humbly (without agreement or complaint) accept God's Word and its instructions, His Word grows deep in me and produces real fruit, of love and good deeds.
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Thank you, God for this Word!
I don't know that I have ever tasted such sweetness from the book of James.
I am your child. I am also your chosen garden. I will watch over and weed my fields by listening, and obeying your instructions. I do trust you my God, my Lord, my Helper and my Friend.
Take my life and let it be used for your glory and to shine your light, life, joy and peace.
I love you God.
Thank you for your patience and mercy and all of the countless goodnesses you have given me.
Amen
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