Back to Basics
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
Have you ever felt like that you could not breathe? This morning as I was laying next to my husband, I listen to him breathe. I started praying – ‘Lord, help me to breathe again. Help me to be the one I used to be…’
Over the last several months I have been struggling. Struggling to see anything good in me. I failed in so many things as of lately that I was unable to see things in the right light. I started to feel insecure. Insecure in being a good wife, mom, friend and co-worker. I was miserable. Until this morning…
As I listen to my beloveds’ breathing, my heart started to get lighter. I needed to let go of things and let God work in me. I gave Him everything on my ‘plate’ and told Him to wipe it off. I wanted a fresh start. You see I have put myself in the situation of feeling miserable; I left God out of the equation. I wanted (once again) do things my own way. I was looking (once again) for praises of men (in my case women)…Once again I took my eyes off of the cross and gazed at things of this world…
I am thankful though that no matter what, nothing can separate me from the love of God. No matter which road I travel, He always has a way of calling me back. His love is always there to comfort me. As I got up this morning, I knew what I needed to do – let go of things that really don’t matter in His kingdom…I needed to get back to basics: God, family and friends.
My dear sisters, if there is anything that obstructs you from breathing deep, let Him clear your ‘plate’ of commitments. Let Him show you what you need to get rid off in your life. I promise you, you will breathe much easier – I know I do today…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You so much for helping me breathe again. Lord, I know that there are still remnants of insecurities, but I also know that You are able and willing to help me get through this valley. Lord, I want to thank You for your never-ending love. I know that nothing can separate me from it. In the precious name of Jesus…Amen
Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend…
Amen. A very raw heart filled post, and one I can relate to.
How,? How do you take your eye off of the ugly and put it on God, esp when the ugly has defeated your own beloved?
Sallye
What a beautiful devotional Iris. I’ve been feeling rather discouraged lately too, and I know it’s because I’ve wandered down a wrong path. Like you, I need to get back on track.
Thank you for this. And you have a wonderful Memorial weekend too!
How beautiful, Iris. Thank you for being so honest. I too have felt so overwhelmed and not able to breath in a sense. Thank you for this beautiful encouragement.
Amen my friend.
Your breathing is not unlike mine at times. Our wrestling in the matter is a good indication that our Father, does indeed, have more for our lives. Our dissatisfaction for the present is often the spur that leads us to purer visioning and holier pursuit. How we need the cleansing breath of our Father this day. I pray it for you. I pray it for me.
peace for the journey`elaine
Great devotion. My question is how? How do you give God everything on your plate and not take it back? My mind takes over and starts racing ahead. I WANT to give God control and trust Him, it just seems to be so short-lived. People say it’s a minute by minute discipline but I am just tired.
Thanks for sharing.
Excellent message Iris. How glad I am that I found this site. Every devotional written on this site is relevant and thought provoking.
Thank you for allowing the Lord to work in and through you and for sharing that growth with us…
In Him,
Chelle’
Thank you for sharing your heart with us Iris. I can also relate to the feeling of not being able to breathe, of being insecure.
Iris,
This post so touched my heart. I love that you asked God to clear your plate for you. I usually gobble up everything on my plate and ask for seconds and want thirds.
I will be praying your prayer today for my own life. I am feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of life and feel like I am going down for the count.
May you be blessed a thousand times over,
In His love, Joanne
Thanks for the uplifting message. Turning all of my worries over to God, is a blessing indeed! A clean plate/ a clean slate… what a great feeling that is.
Thank you for this. I have felt very much the same way lately, and have been spending much more time in His word. As you can imagine, I feel so much better! Bless you today!!
Thank you for sharing this, Iris. I feel encouraged. My plate has been rather overflowed lately. Time to unload.
Iris,
I am praying this for me, you and all of these other women. Lord, take our plate and you handle everything on it and wipe it clean. Let us just live to love you more. In Jesus name, Amen.
Iris…I am with Laurel…I can relate. Very much so at this point…and on this day. Whew. Something just hit me. Like a ton of bricks. A few moments ago…I will e-mail it later.
This was needed. MUCH love—to you from me.
I’m with you too Iris. Somedays it is so important to just take a deep breath and give it all to Him. I needed to read this today – I’m in the middle of looking in the wrong places for affirmation. Not a road I need to be on. Thanks Iris!