The verse is open before me and it could have been a neon sign rather instead of printed words.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God,
You will not despise.”
(Psalm 51:17, NASB)
Life isn’t always easy. Perhaps it’s never easy. But the question at those times really becomes, what will we do when life is not easy?
Will we groan or grow?
We really do have a choice set before us. We can bring God our broken hearts, and our pain, for He will never turn us away. In fact, this psalm tells us that the Lord will receive us with open arms.
It can seem easier to give up or give in. The weights we carry at times can be overwhelming but if we come before the Lord, He begins a process of change in us.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character;
and proven character, hope;
and
hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
(Romans 5:3-5, NASB)
Our sufferings will not leave us the same; they can produce change in us. Rather than depleting us, they can add to our lives qualities of strength and character.
God is working in us to develop exactly what we need to be more like Him, so that He will be seen in us in the midst of this dark world.
“If you wake up feeling fragile, remember that God is not, and then trust Him to be everything you need today.” (C.S. Lewis)
Will we groan or grow?
The choice is ours.
Let’s trust God to be all we need today and choose to grow!
Reflection:
Have there been hard times in your life that have shaped you to become who you are today? How is God shaping you at this time?
Image by Betty Verheij from Pixabay
The challenges that brought change, taught me more about God's unrelenting love - how grateful I am for what God revealed about our relationship, how He has grown me challenge by challenge into a woman of hope, joy, contentment, and unconditional love. Every season is a shaping season. I think if I didn't understand that, I would groan. . . a lot!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with your, Maryleigh. Although I probably need to grow more in my understanding as I think I still hear my groaning at times.
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