That the very thing that I cared for the most had to come to a phase of death. My image. How others perceive me; what others think of me. Trying to fit in and be liked. Being consumed with wanting to be loved and accepted by all! That very thing has to die. My name had to die. Because what others think of me doesn’t make me who I am. It doesn’t change my character; it doesn’t change my identity. I had to learn the hard way.
God created me in His own image. He knows my heart, my thoughts, and my dreams. But through this process, my heart has changed. My character has changed, my perspective has changed. My outlook.
You have molded me and continue to mold me, Lord. I not only learned that my identity is from you, but just how present you are and how you stepped in at my weakest and you made me strong. You made me bold. You have created something new in me. You have given me a new name. A new one that serves and relies on you alone. One who delights in you. And when trouble comes knows where to take refuge. You have softened my heart. You have built my character to forgive not for who they are but because of who you are. You have truly given me a new song to sing. I look for you in the details and you are there.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
(Psalm 40: 1-3, New International Version)
We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19, NIV)
This undeniable love; that gave me strength this power that was made perfect at my weakest. You picked me up; you cleaned me. You gave me a new way of seeing. You gave me a new heart. “Be clay.” Be the clay! Don’t resist! His hand is over your life. It always has from the start. From the moment you became to exist. The Lord is my rock. You are my everything!
Lord, I went from supplicating to expectancy. From suffering to joy. From wavering to relying. From death to life through Christ Jesus!
Who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4, NIV)
AMEN! PRAISE GOD!!
Oooo
Good stuff I can relate to! It sounds like God is teaching us both similar things!