Search My Heart, Oh God

Psalms 139:23-24 says,"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."

Well, God brought this scripture into my life today as he was revealing some areas I need to work on. I can be very critical of others. The irony of my own criticism is that I am very sensitive to others criticism of me.

Today, two instances came up where my hurtful words affected others in a negative light. One person, I made a comment to years ago that wasn't meant to be hurtful. Somehow, it came up today in our discussion, but the person had forgotten it was me who said the hurtful words. When I realized the person was talking about a comment I made, I felt so stupid, you know. Why did I have to say that comment? What did it gain by saying.

The second situation came up when a colleague and I were discussing another person who was promoted. She was telling me that she was kind of dissapointed the person got the job because she had heard so much negative things about this person. As she was describing what she heard, I realized it was me who said all these terrible things about this person because I had a conflict with this person and was upset with this person. I was complaining to my friend about what had happened. Today, my words were repeated back to me. Again, the colleague did not remember that I was the one who spoke them. I felt so small...

I am ashamed of my actions in that I should never have had these conversations. As I was driving home, God reminded me of Pslams 139. Why do I have to be so critical of others. Proverbs 21:23 says, "If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble." Proverbs 18:20-21 says, "Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person's lips bring satisfaction. Thsoe who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."

God, give me the power to nourish life and not destroy it. Help me to be an encourager, not a discourager. Forgive me for hurting others with my tongue.

Meet Me Where I Am At

Although my writing is sporadic, my reading is consistent. Blogging is more time consuming than I realized.

I've been struggling lately with issues in my life. Sometimes, I feel as a Christian, I should have my life all together, with no struggles. I know that I am only human and I sin everyday. Regardless, what amazes me the most is God's mercy and love towards me in my life, even when I fail. This morning as I was crying to God for his help as I am trying to do what is right, God gave me this passage. I Corinthians 1:4 says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you."

God is so good. In this passage, Paul is referring to persecution and difficulties in his travels as he is preaching the gospel. However, it can apply to any circumstance. I know that as I overcome my struggles, I will claim victory in Christ. I know He will meet me where I am at. I am reading through the New Testament and have just finished 1 Corinthians. Now I have started II Cor. I had no idea that the first chapter would comfort me so much. God is so good.

Thank you, God, for meeting me where I am at. Thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. Thank you for caring about my needs. Father, I pray I can be used to comfort others who share my similar struggles. Thank you for those you put into my life to help me through my own. Amen.