Lessons in Truth 101

It is official! I am studying for the G.R.E. I had the bright idea that going back to school for Master's work would make me feel good. So far, I feel inadequate. I have these idealistic dreams of saving opressed people in a dying world, being the hands and feet of Christ, and renewing minds for ethical renewal in my generation and the generations that folllow. I can hear the critics now. I can hear them loud and clear because one of the voices is my own. Those poisonous thoughts keep mounting and the lies are dripping from Satan's tongue right into my foolishly naive head:

"You are worthless."
"You are stupid."
"You are selfish."
"You are not enough."
"You have no hope."
"You cannot succeed."
"You are the worst of all sinners."
"You are a disgrace."

I am so overwhelmed by the weight of these accusations that I sometimes find myself sliding into depression. Suddenly, it seems that the lies are true and all is lost. I can do nothing; I have nothing; I am nothing. Deeper and further down I sink until my sins and my sorrows seem to swallow me whole. In times like these, I sit down at my Father's feet. I weep into His strong hands as He tenderly lifts my head. He speaks the words of life over again to me. Though I hate to admit it, sometimes it is days or weeks before I turn to Him. Other times, by His grace, He moves me by the Spirit to "take and read" His Truth within moments of the onslaught. His compassion covers me; His mercy melts my heart; His grace holds me fast and I am speechless.

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." Romans 7:24-25

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ..."
I John 3:1

Among other things, these are some of the truths the Father has been teaching me as I sit at my desk each day. Almost all of the verses below are pinned up on my cubicle walls or plastered in my heart and mind, reminding me of the way to abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ. My salvation comes by faith through His free gift of mercy. My sanctification occurs as I walk in obedience to His commands out of love for Him and His purposes. Look up the references here and post some around the house, car, or mirror for a dose of His Truth this week.

If My Walls Cound Talk, They Would Say:
1) Give thanks in all circumstances. (I Thess. 5:16-18)

2) Don't lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:4-6)

3) Give Freely. (I Tim. 6:17-19)

4) Be slow to anger and rich in love. (Psalm 145:8-9)

5) Hold your tongue. (Proverbs 17:28)

6) Serve joyfully. (Mark 10:45)

7) Remember & enjoy your freedom. (Psalm 119:32)

8) Swallow your pride. (Philippians 2:1-11)

9) Don't lose hope. (I Thess. 5:23-24)

10) Trust your Father. (Psalm 142:3a, Psalm 33:20-22)

I find these verses so helpful when I actually apply them in daily living and working through relationships and interactions with a variety of people that I encounter. I hope that God will write these truths on your heart and on mine so that in the moments of temptation, apathy, distress, and discouragement, His Word will revive us and His love will sustain us.

Tomorrow, its back to the G.R.E. practice books and the cubicle of honesty. My game plan is to continue seeking out how to best study and work in a way that brings God the most glory. For now, we are taking it day by day. Making plans and holding hands. Walking down a country road. Thanks James Taylor for that great song.  We have now entered Stream of Consciousness 101. It is getting late and I may be getting delusional. So good night to all and to all a good night. May your weary head and your weary soul find rest tonight.