Can you identify with this image? Doubts constantly bombard us as we go through life and at times they can even paralyse us into inaction.
We question, seek justification and proof that something is even possible. Be that as simple as making up one’s mind on a course of action that we need to take.
Instead of going where we feel we are being lead by God, we start to see in our mind’s eye a multitude of different paths and or ways to do a certain thing and start dwelling on the what if’s. Often times we even start thinking of all the things that we want to satisfy self, rather than seek after what it is that God wants of us.
We need to turn our doubts into faith!
Now, seeking clarity is not in and of itself a bad thing, but when it stalls how we are to respond, then we have crossed over to the realm of doubt. And doubt can manifest itself (if we allow it) into self-pity and even depression.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf says that we need to “First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.
We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.“
You see, we are called by God to trust in Him and live by faith. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7 to “live by faith, not by sight” (New International Version).
God wants the very best for us and He is the God of the Impossible. When everyone around you says that it can’t be done, if it is in His will, He says lets go! And the things is, if you don’t feel inspired by your circle of friends, you’re probably stuck in a cycle. You & I need to surround ourselves with people who will build us up and not talk us out of our dreams and goals, but rather encourage us to fulfil them. Don’t allow the doubts and negativity to stall what it is God would have us do 🙂
In my devotional this morning looking at Psalm 77 I read that when the psalmist was feeling distraught, troubled and overwhelmed he cried out to God for help.
He was feeling downhearted, and full of doubts and fears, so much so that his soul could not be comforted.
And yet, after a night of prayer and no sleep, he remembered the things the Lord had done. He remembered God’s miracles of long ago, and he meditated on His mighty deeds. The psalmist encourages himself by declaring truths about God.
If you are filled with doubts, fears and troubles, and are starting to feel self-pity ask God to intervene on your behalf today. If you need His touch, His voice, or His healing, ask Him! Declare His miracles of old! Your faith will strengthen and rise!
We don’t always know what God will do, but we always know who He is. He is always good.
Maybe you’d like to read through the following prayer that Flora Larsson wrote in her book Just a moment Lord entitled ‘Self-pity’.
Lord, there’s someone lurking within me:
Shrouded and gloomy she goes her way
with downcast eyes,
dragging steps,
and doleful mien.
She’s the shadow of a better me.
She’s something good gone sour,
self-replete ad self-stifled.
To hear her talk is a revelation;
no one ever had it so bad.
Her setbacks are unrivalled,
her problems mountain-high.
Turned in upon herself she mopes and broods,
sobs and sighs;
poor me … poor me …
poor miserable me!
Out upon you, traitor, I cry:
I’ll have none of your mournful dirges …
away with you from my house of life!
Master, give me courage to throw her out:
let me get rid of her once and for all,
and bar the door against her.
Help me to bear bravely my own share of life’s burdens;
help me to find others who also suffer
and try to bring them comfort.
Let me take another’s hand in mine and say;
Courage! the storm will pass;
look up, day will soon dawn.
Lord, save me from self-pity.
May you be blessed and find comfort today 🙂
The life and times of Perry... 