Who I Desire to Be

This past year I have really struggled with putting the Lord first and trusting him. There have been many circumstances which have made me question why things are happening the way they are and my response has not been obedience to him.

I have struggled with hurting others and being hurt by others. Its amazing the power of words and how we let them destroy relationships. This week through some reading of the Lord's word, encouragement from my hubby and a daily devotion from Pastor Joel Olsteen did I truly realize how my actions have not been right.

I am a people pleaser. I do and say what makes people happy for fear of them hurting me or not liking what I have to say. I think about how often I change just because someone criticizes me. But that is not of God. If I am going to be who the Lord wants me to be, my focus has to be on him, not others. The Lord clearly says that we are to please him and only him. I am having to learn that sometimes I won't always make everyone happy and have to realize I don't have to have everyone's approval.

God says in Proverbs 29:25, Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.

He goes on to talk about pleasing people in Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Clearly my focus has not been right. I think about if I truly woke up each morning with my heart submitted to him how much better my relationships would be. They would be focused on him and not myself.

 

Its one thing to talk about this and another thing to live this out. Something I haven't been doing. My focus hasn't been on unity in my relationships. My mom encouraged me the other day to remember how God would act to people. How he forgives, doesn't hold grudges, and shows mercy. These three aspects of relatiosnhips are hard for me and three things I desire more than anything to portray to my family and friends. I have not done a good job of showing this to others even though I expect it in return...


Victoria Olsteen put it like this:

"As you think about the people in your life, remember to respect and appreciate your differences. Don't hold offense just because someone has a different approach than you do. Be willing to make adjustments and focus on the common ground of peace. As you work toward unity, you are positioning yourself to receive the wonderful blessings God has in store for you."

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity… for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3, NIV)

This is my desire...my desire is to please God above all else to seek his approval and that through doing that I can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. If I did this I would have God's approval and I wouldn't be having to worry about approval from man.

Imagine if I gave all my trust to him what he could do with me. I am not perfect. I sin. I have hurt people. I don't make perfect decisions. I am not always obedient to God. But I am redeemed, I am his daughter, I am whiter than snow and he gives me a new chance each day to live for him. I am thankful the Lord gives me a new day to begin again.