We all sin. Romans 3:23 tells us that; if we have ever been around a 2 year old we know we are born with sin; seeing the pain we've caused to others reminds us of our sin. One of my sin issues is pride. And the chapter we did in our A Confident Heart online Bible study this week opened my eyes to it even more. Renee Swope says on page 52: ".....(we who) find ourselves in the shadow of doubt often get there because we are seeking our validation in people's opinions...." Ouch. You know many of us have no problems recognizing our sin; it is in the correcting it that we struggle. We know that we cannot change by ourselves and that the Lord and His Word can transform us. But sometimes I struggle in applying that and simply find myself stumbling over and over again with the same thing. That is how it is with me and this issue. I've known for a very long time that I have struggled with this. That is why I was excited that at the end of chapter 3, Renee Swope offers a tool to help turn from the temptation. They are called "When/Then" statements. I like the name. It isn't "if/when", because it isn't "if" it happens again; it is "when" it happens again. Here is one of the "When/Then" statements I wrote for myself this week.
When I start seeking validation from other people's opinions, I will remember what the Lord says about me. "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4a. I don't need no one else to validate me. I am a child of the Lord.
I would love to make a poster of these statements for my kitchen. That probably won't happen, so for now my journal is spread open on my counter to remind me "When...." "Then".
2 comments:
I love the verse you shared! So encouraging!
I am stopping by today from the OBS Blog Hop. :)
Hi Karen, I love your won't about it not being "if" but "when." So true! Thanks for sharing with us your main when-then statement today. Praying our Lord uses this to help you transform from your struggle to His Word.
Katrina Wylie (FB small group leader)
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