Forgiveness

I wrote this back in October and never posted it. So, here it is...I think it's a good way to start the New Year.

I tell people all the time, that God forgives everyone. That we, as believers who have given our lives to the Father, and asked for His forgiveness

We should not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)

If we delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

If we ask for forgiveness, we are truly forgiven. He does not see our sin, we have been washed clean. I tell other people that their sins are forgiven, and that God will bless their lives and provide for their needs, and comfort them, and answer their prayers, and hold their lives in His hands in such a way that no harm will come to them...but I never believed it for me. I thought, God loves all those other people more than me. They haven't done the things I've done. They deserve to be forgiven. It wasn't until recently, that I realized...I was calling God a liar. Did He not say, come to me and I will forgive you? Why, even though I thank Him everyday for forgiving me, did I think that He would not then treat me as if I was forgiven? Do you forgive your friend, and then treat them poorly, or do you love them and treat them as your friend? If I can forgive others, certainly God can do a better job than me. Certainly He wants to love me and knows I'm sorry, and will treat me like His child. Sure, I'll slip up and have to ask for forgivness time and time again, but I am His child. Why would he bless the rest of His children and not me? It's pretty dumb, now that I think about it. I need to forgive myself and quit looking backwards. All that does is leave me standing in the road facing the wrong way. I need to turn around, face forward and start walking with Him. Imagine what can be up ahead!

Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."

I don’t know that I agree with this statement in its entirety. Some mornings I say, “Good morning, Lord.” I feel great, and I’m ready to attack the day with fervor and passion. Other days, I am beat down by the wear and tear of the daily grind. I feel worn and ineffective. These days I say, “Good Lord, it’s morning?!? Can’t I just sleep a little longer?” I often feel guilty about that, especially when I see quotes like these. I enjoy reading quotes, and welcome their words of wisdom and inspiration. However, I resent their need to make me feel inferior, or as if I’m doing something wrong. I work hard, as many women my age do. Occasionally, we’re going to get tired. The victory comes when we’re still looking to the Lord to get us through the day. So, on days when you say, “Good Lord, it’s morning,” focus on the fact that you turned to our Father for a little help and guidance, and don’t beat yourself up for it. Focus on Him and He’ll pull us through all of our trials and tribulations…and don’t be shocked if He teaches you a thing or two along the way. J