Let's Catch Up!

We're in July! Halfway through the year, that's pretty scary! It's usually at this point in the year that we start to look back at all we've accomplished, lost and gained. If you're anything like me, this can quickly become a slippery slope of spiralling into self-pity or complacency. Taking captive our thoughts is crucial in this part of the year, especially the "making them obedient to God" part. I've had to remind myself that comparison isn't obedience, self-doubt isn't obedience and complacency definitely isn't obedience. It actually takes a rewiring of our brain to not allow the spiralling to even begin. (If you do struggle with rewiring your mind and making it obedient to God, take a look at this series, it absolutely changed my life and my approach to my thoughts - https://youtu.be/_xGqdYguORY)

As I was worshipping on Sunday, I got distracted and started reflecting on my life throughout the past year as was overcome by the thought of all that I've "lost." But just as quickly as that thought entered my mind, so did the Holy Spirit - he filled me with His joy and wonder and completely turned the thought around. I was now so excited and began to smile just thinking about how much I've gained in God and how I now have an empty plate that God can just bless! On Sunday, Tershlan shared the story of Job and how through his suffering and loneliest season, God blessed him and doubled his riches. I was encouraged by Job and the conversation he has with God. (Take a look at this video on Job - it is absolutely amazing! - https://youtu.be/GswSg2ohqmA)

At the end of the story of Job, it is seen that Job now realises that whatever may come his way - good or bad, he can trust God's wisdom.

Phillippians 3:8

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.

If all that I've gained this year is Christ, then I count myself blessed.

You are valued, loved and needed.