Dealing with my worst enemy... ME.

[dawnc1107]

CALLING MYSELF
Read: Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Psalm 26:1

That is a powerful statement. How many of us can really say that about ourselves? As I was moving my laptop, cell phone, and assorted books and papers from one room to another, the "regular" phone rang. I hurriedly set down my stuff and rushed to answer the call before the answering machine kicked in. "Hello, I said. No reply. I said hello again when I heard rustling, but still no response. So I hung up and went back to my stuff on the floor. When I picked up my cell phone i realized that I had accidentally speed-dialed my home phone number!

I laughed at myself, but then wondered: How often are my prayers more like calling myself than calling on God?

For example, when I am falsely accused, I plead with God for vindication. I want my name cleared and the guilty person held accountable for the harm done to my reputation. But then I get impatient with God and try to vindicate myself. I may as well be praying to myself.

Vindication does not come from self-defensive arguments; it stems from integrity (Ps. 26:1). It requires that I allow God to examine my mind and heart (Ps. 26:2) and that I walk in His truth (Ps. 26:3). This, of course, requires patient waiting (Ps. 25:21). When we call on God, He will help us -- but in His perfect time and in His perfect way. --Daily Bread

 

[BeachGyaru]

That's a great post. I'm fairly new here. I agree that we try to do things ourselves rather than depend on God to do things His way. It takes more than willpower and allow Him to be in control while we go through life doing things that glorify Him. It's a tough thing to do but after a while it does feel different than I'm used to.

 

[lmorovan]

Our greatest enemy has always been and will continue to be Satan and his demons. That is, until Jesus comes back and takes care of him once and for all.
You are precious in the eyes of God. Give yourself the value that God gives you and your enemies will think twice before trying to touch that which belongs to God.
Cheer up, you are better of than you think!

 

[dawnc1107]

With respect, I won't give the devil any credit. He isn't as stong as people think he is and he only has power to do anything when God allows him to. I can't in good conscience believe that satan has anything to do with the way I feel about me. I'm not saying he doesn't try to tempt us... Cause even Jesus faced him in the desert... but I am saying that my own self image (the way I see me) is to blame for the way I feel most times... To take a "the devil made me do it" mentallity would be inadequate. What am I gonna say to God on judgement day when He asks me, why did you feel this way about yourself? I can not in all fairness and honesty say... "Well the satan said I wasn't good enough." To me that is a cop out and I have tried to teach my own children that if you do something "whether good or bad" be honest and take responsibility for it. Don't say well, so and so did such and such and that caused me to do this. What kind of example would I be setting for them if I didn't live by my own teachings.
My self image is almost like a Funhouse Mirror Room. I am not able to see myself the way others or even the Lord (perhaps that is too big of a stretch), but I have a really hard time accepting that I fall very short of good, let alone acceptable. If I can't accept me, how do I expect the Lord to accept me?

 

[lmorovan]

Satan's lies have worked since he first tempted Eve. He will always tell us we are not worthy of Christ, we are not good enough. Don't fall for his traps and lies. Look at yourself as God looks at you through Jesus Christ. Then you will see that you are cleansed and pure before God. Jesus made sure it will be that way.