I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place.
Psalm 31: 7-8 NLT
I have lived my life lately, it seems, in a lot of regret: regretting that I didn't complete my college degree; regretting that I didn't stay at my first real job-for the possibilities that could have led to; and regretting that I am not the person that God wants me to become. The latter is what is really alarming to me. All the other things will pass away, but not becoming the person that God expects me to be, can be somewhat disappointing to me, my family and to my Lord. If I am not doing the things that God wants me to do, I will always wander aimlessly in this world.
I have led a life that to others would seem like the "ideal" life. I have a wonderful family with a beautiful house; a loving extended family; and a fulfilling but busy job. Then why is it that my heart craves for more? Is it the question in my mind that I have left too many things in my past unfinished-not knowing exactly who my birth parents are; not finishing college? And yet, I live this life in limbo. Not knowing where the wind will take me next. Of course I know that God plans my life for a purpose. Have I completed my purpose yet? I really don't think so. I have not yet arrived.
God knows our past whether in accomplishment or in failure. That is why I like the Psalm 31:7-8 passage. God knows me better than I know myself, which is pretty scary. Even though my soul may be in anguish, He has not forgotten about me or left me to wander in the forest. He is always just a word away. How often do we forget that?
I love the last part of this passage. "He has set me in a safe place." How many times have we thought to ourselves that because we are wallowing in our anguish that God cannot keep us from harm? Too many times we get caught up in our selfish wants and needs. We need (want) the newest and best gadget out there. We need (want) the best paying job. We need (want) a very fulfilling career. All we really need is our basic needs met. Our daily bread. That is what Jesus taught us to pray. Maybe our daily bread is just to go to work and forget our troubles. Maybe our daily bread is just to stay in bed for the day to recuperate from a long week. Maybe our daily bread is just to be in sanctuary with Him. Sometimes our daily bread changes from day to day, only God knows our needs from moment to moment.
I am trying to get passed the regretting in my own life. I am reminded constantly by the quote- "Carpe Diem" or seize the day. I have not seized every moment possible to me, and no, I have not made the most of my days. But I know God is still there reaching out to me, only to remind me of what lies ahead is forgiveness and restoration. Are there things in your past that you regretted not doing or do you regret missing those once in a lifetime opportunities? Remember that only God can bring forgiveness to your soul and there is where he will refine you to a perfect shine.
No comments:
Post a Comment