inspiration 5.

stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. this produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both. He leads each of His children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. the only source of real affirmation is His unconditional Love. many people perceive Him as a judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. nothing could be farther from the truth. He died for your sins, so that He may clothe you in His garments of salvation. this is how He sees you: radiant in His robe of righteousness. when He disciplines you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-face fellowship with Him throughout all eternity. immerse yourself in His loving presence. be receptive to His affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

luke 6:37, john 3:16-17, isaiah 61:10, proverbs 3:11-12

inspiration 4.

understanding will never bring you peace. that's why He has instructed you to trust in Him, not in your understanding. human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. but the world presents you with an endless series of problems. as soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. the relief you had anticipated is short lived. soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Him (your Master).

His peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. actually, you are always enveloped in peace, which is inherent in His presence. as you look to Him, you gain awareness of this precious peace.

proverbs 3:5-6, romans 5:1, 2 thessalonians 3:16

inspiration 3.

let Him help you get through this day. there are many possible paths to travel between your getting up in the morning and your lying down at night. stay alert to the many choice points along the way, being continually aware of His presence. you will get through this day one way or another. one way is to moan and groan, stumbling along with shuffling feet. this will get you to the end of the day eventually, but there is a better way. you can choose to walk with Him along the path of Peace, leaning on Him as much as you need. there will still be difficulties along the way, but you can face them confidently in His strength. thank Him for each problem you encounter, and watch to see how He transforms trials into blessings.

1 corinthians 10:10, luke 1:79

inspiration 2.

do not long for the absence of problems in your life. that is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. you have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven, rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

begin each day anticipating problems, asking Him to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. the best equipping is His living presence. His hand never lets go of yours. take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you both can handle together. remember that He is on your side, and He has already overcome this world.

john 16:33, isaiah 41:13, philippians 4:13

inspiration 1.

"problems are a part of life. they are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. you tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. this is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me. do not let fixing things be your top priority. you are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you. don't weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own. instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern. talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation. rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask Me to show you what is truly important. remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity."


"i will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; i will counsel you and watch over you" psalm 32:8

as much as i hate to admit it, this is one of my biggest downfalls. i'm completely stubborn when it comes to relying on others, especially regarding my plans and my future. i feel i have to do it alone. i'm the only one that can control the outcomes right? false. dumb, really. but so much easier than done to give up that control. being a linear thinker and problem solver, i always think there is a solution to something. a way to get from point a to point b. and when it doesn't, i get beyond frustrated. precisely why i'm a math/science emphasis major. formula based. there's always something to fix. some imperfection. something that can bettered. something i could have worked harder on. i know i always catch myself praying to the Lord about just the most petty things. before a test "Lord please let me remember everything i've crammed into my brain, i've worked too hard to screw this up" or a "please let my day go smoothly, i can't take any more stress" rather than "Lord, whatever this day brings, let it be for You and Your glory. i trust You." selfish, really. during this past year, i've realized how much more there is to life than grades, gossip, and other materialistic and superficial things. i've learned to try and strive for what the Lord wants for me. key word being try. it's just a matter of me being honest with myself. take a second. think about it.