Me, Myself and I

These three words seem harmless but in matters of our faith, they can be dangerous.

When used to brag about our feats and achievements they become a matter of pride. Taking pride in our accomplishments and bragging as though we alone made them happen is self-absorption, self-centeredness; we forget who made it possible for us to succeed, who gave us the ability do well, to create, to be!

When facing crisis or difficulties, we tend to become the center; we utter phrases like “why me?” As if we alone go through trials. In effect we’re self-pitying, looking for others to feel sorry for us and what we are going through.

It is hard when we are confronted with the truth about ourselves. I’ve been guilty of all of the above and as I look back on my pity party celebrations, I’m appalled at my lack of humbleness, my lack of trust in God!! Yes, that is exactly what it is: selfish, self-absorbing, me, myself and I self-centeredness!

God wants us to turn to Him for all our needs. He has promised to take care of us and provide for us over and over again in scripture, but it is as if we don’t hear or believe Him. As I read today’s scripture in my study plan, Jeremiah 45, verse 5 halted me in my tracks. Here’s what it says, “And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.”” (NRSV)

I had to re-read it all over again and as I did it struck me: stop focusing on success for yourself, stop focusing on doing things your way; forget your self-pitying absorption and instead lean on God, place your trust in Him, allow Him to guide your footsteps and He will prosper you!

#bestnineart2018

That’s it! That’s what God wants from us, that we surrender and humble ourselves before Him and allow Him to do what He’s always promised He would do: be our Jehovah Jireh, our provider. God’s word in this verse is a promise to us if we move from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness!

#bestnine2018 (cards)

As we enter into 2019, I pray we will all take a look at our lives and the path we are on and take stock of where we are and where we want to be; that we rewrite the story of our lives to make God the main focus of everything we do and trust Him for our success.

As you center yourself and create plans and goals for the New Year, I invite you to read Hebrews 11:6 and make it your go-to scripture for the year: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (NRSV).

Happy and prosperous 2019!