God has proven Himself faithful and true. The more I experience relationship with Him and the more I reflect on His track record in my life, the more I desire to share His goodness with others. I vividly remember a season long ago, when I felt completely hopeless. Fear and depression overwhelmed me and sin reigned in my life. No matter how hard I tried to overcome the darkness by my own efforts, I failed miserably. I firmly believed I would "never smile again." Well, praise God, I got my smile back, and it just gets bigger and bigger. I have experienced Psalms 103:11-12 in full:
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
I wasted many years trying hard to overcome sin. I read the Bible many times through and hundreds of spiritual self-help books, looking for the magical how-to check list to bring myself back into line. I memorized Scripture and posted it throughout my home. I made promises to God, but failed over and over, wallowing in shame and guilt.
The answer to my dilemma was there in Scripture all along. I was trying so hard to gain victory in my own power; I missed the simple but crucial truth: Christ in me, the hope of glory! Colossians 1:27. When I began to realize that my identity is not based on how hard I try, aka “works righteousness,” but instead, on the finished work of Jesus, a peace began to emerge from within. This peace grows in my heart every day, as I look at myself through the eyes of God. I am learning to listen to His description of me, rather than to the lies of the world and my passion is to share Gods’ goodness; His yes! "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:20
Glory to God!!!