I think this caption is a good cleansing prayer for all of us. The ways of the world often darken our days, weaken our spirits, break our godly will, bruise our hearts and make us sick. Only God can truly revive and restore us. I know we've all experienced things in our lives that have caused us to build up walls of protection against. Only God's forgiveness with ourselves and others can begin to tear down those barriers.
When I hear of family members never speaking to one another because of hardened hearts, it makes me sad for them. 'Where is the love?' Proverbs 20:9 'Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?' We are all guilty of letting anger get the best of us at times.
Psalm 51;10 'Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence.' Aren't you glad God doesn't abandon us when we disappoint Him?
Yes those walls of hurt that we think are to protect us hurts us and others.
ReplyDeleteWhen this happens in the family it is tragic. Thank you Lord for your mercy and love!
Angie; you stated this so well. Yes, these barriers can and do hurt everyone involved. We all mess up and therefore shouldn't be throwing stones. Mom
ReplyDeleteAnd none of us are immune to the ways of the world creeping in. I dreamed last night that I was talking to a famous movie star (can't remember who) and had the opportunity to share the Way of the Master with him because of something he said about himself (bragging about himself.) I was in the middle of my time of witnessing when I woke up. I hate that! Anyway, I asked him if he thought he was a good person. Of course, he boastfully said yes. But when I began to go through the 10 Commandments with him, he began to realize that he wasn't so good after all. What a great reminder, Angie, that all of us are sinful creatures and need the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord.
ReplyDeleteLove this...
ReplyDeleteAngie....perfect post for me right now. I find that even being at camp with God's word washing over me constantly, bad habits, and sins give me a hardened heart so that I do not listen and absorb as I should. May He break through each of those barriers in all of our hearts this week. Love you,
ReplyDeleteMary
Not only where is the love, but where is the forgiveness? And where is the Christ-like attitude? Like you said, what if God turned His back on us...never spoke to us again...if we held a grudge against Him. So sad to see families destroyed over some reason they cannot even remember anymore. Praying I will be loving and forgiving....in all circumstances. Love you, sweet friend....T.
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