PURSUE GOD with ALL YOU GOT!

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith... (1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV)

"Really, God? Another morning of self-defeating voices...accusations of insignificance...heart palpitations...feelings of fear...doubt...insecurity? When will these tiresome struggles go away? When will I not have to battle inferior thoughts that resist the truth of Who You say I am?"
 
"What should I do? How do I overcome? It seems as though my built up faith constantly wavers, crumbles, cowers...only to have to build it up again? I am so tired of this incessant battle and raging war! Please give me the victory once and for all!!!"
 
That was the gist of my prayer, today! Some spiritual giant I turned out to be, I thought. I hushed my thoughts and silenced the stirring of my emotions and sat quietly, reflecting, asking for God's help.
 
"What do I need to do, God? Seriously? I am so tired and exhausted from this inner turmoil! Please Help!"
 
From the silence came the ever refreshing, comforting joy, of my Friend and God! A simple verse that silenced my rantings, (found in Deuteronomy 4:23) "Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you." (NIV)
 
God has a way of calming my fear. He restores my hope. He reminds me of the truth.

Friends, in this world we will have troubles. (John 16:33) BUT...we are not abandoned. OUR BATTLES... OUR STRUGGLES...and OUR WALK of FAITH will NEVER CEASE...BUT...NEITHER WILL THE COMPASSION AND LOVE OF OUR GOD! Jesus told us in this word we will have troubles, trials, and tribulations...BUT...HE also said...BE OF GOOD CHEER for "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Today, I'd like to remind you, as GOD reminded me...

1. DO NOT FORGET the covenant He has made.
2. Remember WHO HE IS.
3. HOLD FAST to His Promises!

God is near to us and has given us everything we need that pertains to life! (2 Peter 1:3) So keep on keepin' on! Keep on pressing on! Keep on resisting the enemy and pursue God with all you got! He will NOT disappoint!

PRAYER: Father, help the weary of heart today. Fill us with YOUR PEACE. Grant us the strength to stand firm. Thank You for YOUR promise that those who hope in YOU will NOT be disappointed. (Isaiah 49, 23)