Not worthy, that’s how I feel when I haven’t been
spending time in God’s Word or time in prayer with Him. When I try to go about
my Christian life and try to do everything on my own merit, it’s like treading
water and barely staying above the surface. We’re not meant to do this on our
own, that’s what makes this life such a struggle, being so full of pride and
our own selves that we don’t give it to God.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come
to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take
a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the
unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
(Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)
So many times I get burdened with all that’s going on
in my life and I let myself get further from God, when HE’s the ONE I
need to be clinging to. I’ll get pre-occupied with all the ‘things’ that aren’t
important and push HIM to the back, and that’s when stress, anxiety and worry
come in. But the contrast is, if you
notice the closer you are to GOD, the more peace, comfort and strength you have.
The world pulls at you, drains you and saps the energy you have; while GOD is
the still quiet voice offering refreshing rest from the chaos surrounding you.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary
and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew
11:28-30 NLT)
We have to remember, although we are new creations in
Christ, we are still sinners. We have a battle within us, a worldly flesh that
fights against our inner man (our spirit) that wants to follow Christ. Sometimes
we’re harder on ourselves when we make mistakes, so we have to forgive
ourselves and not condemn ourselves.
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw
near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us
sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help
in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just
when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)
The enemy can and will use those mistakes against us,
but GOD will not. Once we’ve asked for forgiveness, those sins are forgotten.
The enemy will tell us that we’re not good enough and that we must not be
Christians if we’re making these kind of mistakes – that’s why the devil is the
father of lies.
…When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for
he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44c NLT)
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and
destroy. (John 10:10a AMP)
The devil brings only bad, wrong, and evil to this
world. Whereas everything that is good, just and beautiful is given from God.
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it
in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10b AMP)
For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins
and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more. (Hebrews 8:12 AMP)
He has removed our sins as far from us, as the east is
from the west. (Psalm 103:12 NLT)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NLT)
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one
and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have
eternal life. God sent his Son into the
world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17
NLT)
When you start to give into those whispers of the devil
and believe that you are not worthy, tell GOD you are sorry for your mistakes
and remind the devil your sins are forgiven, your GOD is a loving and gracious
Heavenly Father and that HIS Word says, “ The godly may trip seven times, but
they will get up again. “ (Proverbs 24:16 NLT)
