he is real...but so is God

Hello dear friends and readers,

I recently had a sort of epiphany, and if you don't mind, I'm going to try to hash it out "on paper" in hopes that you might be able to relate, provide some insight, or just need something to read this evening.

I'd like to start by saying I consider myself a fairly positive person...and "fairly" may not be a strong enough word.  I strive to find the good in all situations and people, find joy in the smallest things (figuratively and literally), and been called "terminally cheerful."  Needless to say, I'm a "glass half full" kind of girl to the core...(this may not come as a surprise to those of you who know me well...or know me at all).  ☺

All that said, there have been times in my life (some more recently than others) that I have found it difficult to maintain my positivity, find my joy, and/or see the good in a given situation.

Examples include:

• A moment of disagreement causes me to doubt an entire friendship.
• Missing out on an evening activity causes me to resent my work schedule.
• A single matter in need of compromise/middle ground rather than being in total agreement in all matters causes me to question the relationship as a whole.
• A "closed door" of opportunity causes me to throw in the towel and not even look for the "open window."

These seeds of doubt/confusion grow into small ferns...bushes...even trees and cast their shadow on all of the good things in which I'm so accustomed to easily finding joy.  (I feel like this sounds like some sort of depression medication commercial...it's not.)  My first instinct is to mask these feelings and deal with them myself.  Past experience (and common sense), however, has proven this to be a relatively futile means of coping.

What hit me today is that these negative feelings/emotions/thoughts that throw off my positive groove are not coincidence - this negativity has to be coming from somewhere.  I'd be crazy to not be joyful about the job(s) I've been blessed with...or about the fact I have a job, period.  I'd be out of my mind to think a loved one or friend loves me less because of one little point of conflict.  I'd just be wrong to think God would deny me one opportunity without presenting another.  Right?  Right.

I came to the conclusion that feelings of doubt, confusion, and insecurity are coming from Satan.  I don't really know why it took me so long to realize/articulate/embrace/understand this truth.  I know I should be in the practice of being on the lookout for evil in my life, but I'm not, really.  I attribute this lack of practice to my optimistic demeanor (see above).

As I thought about it all more, I realized how much sense it makes that the things that seem to not make sense in my life (i.e. the doubt, negativity, etc.) are coming from someone who does not have my best interests at heart.  Satan is ever-present in this world, and we must, must, must be constantly on the lookout for him and the lies he spreads.  "...He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." -John 8:44

So, what should my(our) plan of action be when (I almost said "if and when," but there isn't really an "if" in this matter) this negativity shows up in my(our) thoughts and mind?

Pray.  Pray, pray, pray.  "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7

Like I said - my first instinct has always been to "deal with it" on my own.  But how can I possibly expect to combat Satan on my own?!  Ha!  Silly me.  Therefore, here I am...♫"standin' in the need of prayer..."♪ (Sorry...I couldn't resist.)  Seriously, though - I can't do it alone.  We can't do it alone.  So, if you're a praying person, I'm asking for your help.  Please pray that I am able to recognize and resist Satan's lies and retain my ability and desire to find good, joy, understanding, and security in all God has and will continue to bless me with.

I'd also like to encourage you to pray this for yourself...and for your loved ones.  Don't let Satan get the best of you.  "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

Thank you, in advance.  ☺

I hope you have a really lovely week!

Prayerfully,

Kensy

P.S. I'm sure there are many more passages of Scripture I could've referenced...feel free to chime in if you have any to add...or any thoughts...or anything, period! 

Favorites of the day:

leftover Papa John's pizza

50+ degree weather in January

the movie "Frozen" (Seriously, if you haven't seen it, you need to!)

Varying degrees?

Hey all!  Hope you haven't blown away in this wind...yikes!


I've had pieces of this post written for quite awhile.  I wasn't sure whether or not I'd ever actually make it public, but I was "nudged" to do so in Sunday school today (by God...not a physical nudge☺).


Disclaimer: Some of this may offend some of you, and that is not my intention.  I'm also not out to start an argument about what I think is Biblically right and wrong.  I'm simply sharing my own thoughts and reflections.  I'd welcome some healthy discussion if you have anything to add after reading!  ☺


The following lists are by no means comprehensive - just what first comes to mind.


Things society thinks are wrong:
murder
adultery
stealing
cheating
lying


Things I think are wrong:
all of the above
homosexuality
premarital sex
drunkenness
cursing


Things God thinks are wrong (based on my own knowledge of Him):
all of the above
gossip
using His name in vain
gluttony
lust
putting other things before Him


The difference between these three categories is this:
Society, and myself included, views these "things that are wrong" in varying degrees.  There is a far higher punishment for murder than there is for cheating.  I am quicker to judge a criminal over a couple who may have had sex before marriage.  For God, however, all of these "wrongs" - these sins - are equal.  An adulterer is going to face the same judgement as the person who spread a rumor about a coworker.  Someone who leaves without paying the check is ultimately going to be judged in the same light as a pedophile.


Did you catch that word I used to describe how I react to people who have done these wrong things?  I said "I am quicker to judge a criminal over a couple who may have had sex before marriage."  Judge.  That's not what I'm called to do!  That's not what anyone is called to do.  In fact, I should add "judging others" to the list of things God thinks are wrong.  It is not our job to condemn others in any situation.  Rather, and I think I've said this in an earlier post, we are called to love others.    Of course, in answering the call to do so, we're held to a higher standard and asked to live as examples of Christ.  Christ loves everyone, though...and so should we.  Perhaps you're familiar with all the times He was in fellowship with sinners?  We don't have to go far to follow this particular example He set.  We're in fellowship with sinners everywhere - at work, at church, at family gatherings, at home.  The key to Christ's example, however, is to find the sinners who may not recognize their sin or their need for repentance.  Again, though - this doesn't mean we approach them, point out their sin, tell them they'd better confess "or else," and walk away.  Have you ever heard the phrase "Love the sinner, not the sin?"  It goes hand-in-hand with "Hate the sin, not the sinner."  We are to develop relationships with those around us, Christian or not, and again, be an example of Christ's love.  If the Holy Spirit "nudges" you to present the Gospel to someone in the meantime, by all means, take the opportunity!  If your Christ-like example is simply to help someone carry groceries to their car, though, don't take it lightly.  Take every opportunity to show others the "love that surpasses all understanding."


I could reference plenty of Bible verses to back these thoughts up, but I'm going to let you draw from your own experiences to interpret where I'm coming from and perhaps do some research on your own if you're questioning anything.  Please feel free to let me know if you find anything that goes against what I've presented here.


I realize some of you reading this may not have any knowledge of the Bible or Christianity in general.  Some of you may disagree with everything you just read.  Some of you may have tons of questions.  Some of you may not care, period.  Either way, please let me know if you have any questions at all!  If I can't answer them, I'll help you find someone who can.


As usual, thanks for reading!  I know this was a pretty heavy post in comparison to others.  It's all coming from the same place, though - my heart.  ☺


Humbly,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

Jim Brickman

my nap with Charlie on the couch a little bit ago

having time to make a real meal tonight

Just Dance and time with friends

*EDIT: After reading this, I'd love for you to also read the following two posts:

"Follow-up...and potatoes : )"

"Might as well go for 3!"