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Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. 24 Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
What is there in reliving past successes? Motivation to work harder toward achieving a goal. To feel that sense of accomplishment again. Determination to persevere through failure and disappointment. To avoid the pain of rejection. Resolve to move forward.
What is there in reliving past failures? Lessons learned from our mistakes should help us walk in strength not defeat. Failure comes with disappointment, often in ourselves. Then we search for answers. What was I thinking? How could I have been so stupid? Why isn’t this working? Why did I even try? Don’t believe the lies. This can lead to fear of ever trying again. Don’t let it happen. Instead, find your way forward.
More searching. Is there something in my heart that could be preventing my own success? Is it pride in my work and my own competence? Fear of incompetence? Is it jealousy of a coworker or neighbor? Is it anger or bitterness? Or worst yet, unforgiveness? Better questions this time. Hard questions. This is not who I want to be, who God wants me to be. If I am in Christ (Ephes 4:31) these things must go. Narrow the search to your heart and forge ahead.
Psalm 139 tells us of God’s omniscience and love for us. This is one of the first passages I was drawn to in my early days of bible study and I return to it often. Verses 23 -24 specifically tell us we can go to God and He will reveal anything in our hearts that doesn’t belong. He already knows anyway. If it doesn’t belong it’s a roadblock keeping you from success. Move forward.
Pray, ask God to search your heart and test your thoughts. To point out anything that makes Him sad, and to put you on His good path again.
He wants you to realize the full potential He’s already given for His purpose, and the full measure of success He has planned. If you sense a roadblock in your path, get out the heavy equipment – prayer and the Word of God – and to move forward.
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This is the October writing challenge from Five Minute Friday. The plan is to successfully post everyday. We write for five minutes (unedited and that’s a challenge) and stop. Visit FMF to see more posts.
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