My internal dialogue went something like this: I know this woman is kind and has my best interests at heart. I can't think of anything I did wrong and I don't know of anything my children did wrong, although we certainly could have offended without intending it. And if I have done something wrong, I can receive it from this friend and will gladly make amends. Then, I proceeded to meet with her - with freshly brushed teeth and a heart ready to hear.
I know this kind of self-talk may sound ridiculous to some, but for me it's a regular part of life. Because of past encounters in relationships and because of my own sin bent, my internal default response is often the belief that I've done something wrong. This mindset can be a difficult place from which to enter into loving and safe relationships with people and with God.
While I may have to wonder about my relational "rightness" with others, God makes my standing with Him very clear,
...say it, right out loud: 'God has set everything right between him and me!' (10:10)I am forever in right relationship with God. Always. Regardless of my "doing" (v. 9), my mood, my thoughts, my feelings. I can always approach Him with confidence, always converse with Him, always trust His kindness and goodness. He says that I'm always right with Him - because of Jesus.
That is a true safety, true freedom, true love.
(As a postscript to the story, my friend did not confront me with any wrongdoing. She only wanted my input and desired to speak a word of encouragement to me!)
3 comments:
Love this! Such encouragment and surely needed to hear this today. Thank you!
God,I desire to delight in You all day. I know that if I do this (with the Holy Spirit's help), I can lay down my idols and embrace all of You. You do not do me harm. You have an everlasting love for me. You are all I need. Help me to grasp this more fully so that whatever happens to me in this world, will not crush me.
Thank you God for the plans You have for me! Help me Father today to live them out for Your glory!
As an aside, I am reading Counterfeit Gods by Kelly. I am sensing that I have made my children idols and I want to change this. Today's reading in Romans affirms Kelly's comments that we must embrace God fully heart, mind, and soul. This leaves no room for idols in my life. Easy to say but difficult to do!
You are a GREAT friend Staci :)
Thanks for your honesty and transparency in your posts. Looking forward to the "Betty Reunion"
Good reminder Staci. I, too, often assume I'm in the wrong (that it's about me) when someone wants to talk. I appreciated how you turned this towards God and how I approach him. I hadn't thought about that implication. Now I have more to think about. THANKS!
The phrases "[they] are impressively energetic regarding God, but they are doing everything exactly backwards.... Refusing to deal with God on his terms ... God has set everything right between him and me." stood out to me. And it provably relates to what you pointed out!
I want to be active and busy. Impressive. But I'm not and I can't be. God wants me on his terms. He isn't impressed with me. I can relax and breathe in the safety of this enduring relationship. Just me. No pretense. No effort. No tidying. Nothing impressive. Just helpless me.
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