How has God helped you through a difficult challenge in your personal life recently?
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Tom Felten on June 24, 2014 at 9:16 am
One thing God revealed to me over the last year was my need to take up my cross daily—leaving behind my selfish desires and pride. As I’ve sought Him and His ways, I’ve found peace and joy that can come from Him alone.
kbuckman473 on June 26, 2014 at 11:07 pm
Over the past year and a half to two years, I have felt a physical, mental, and emotional blockage in my spiritual life. I’ve let myself get caught up in work, family, friends, money, responsibilities, and sin. Even when I’ve attempted (being the key word) to make my relationship with God work again, I have failed miserably. Tonight I read some articles, prayed out loud to God, and read today’s OBJ devotional about the prayer and its power of revival. I am in such desperate need to lift this blockage and begin living a life that God is pleased with and that I’m happy with. I want to be the spiritual center for my family, instead of living as woman who does not walk with God. I know the only way I can get out of this hard time is to strip my sinful soul bare and pray each day for guidance, grace, and forgiveness.
Tom Felten on June 27, 2014 at 9:58 am
kbuckman473, you’re in my prayers. May God restore to you His joy and a desire to serve Him out of love for Him. I’m reminded of these words prayed by a person who was desperate for his intimacy with God to be restored: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (Psalm 51:7-12).
kbuckman473 on June 27, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Tom, I read your response to my comment and became inspired by the verse you included of Psalm 51. I decided to open my new study Bible and see what the Lord had to say to me today. I read, took notes, and became overwhelmingly humbled by His guidance and voice this morning. I felt a kinship with David during his prayer of restoration. I connected with him as a fellow sinner and human being. I love how David speaks of being conscious of sin in 51:3. This is exactly how I feel about 100% of the time. I always know when I’m sinning against God and that I am the one doing wrong. I especially know when I’m shutting Him out. In fact, the more I’ve shut Him out over the past two years, the harder it has been for me to hear His voice, His whispers of guidance. I finally made a true effort to understand God today, and without any hesitation, He quickly returned my head and my heart’s ability to see and hear Him. Perhaps my favorite part of Psalm 51 is verse 17. So many times I have thought I’ve given sacrifices to God that He would be pleased with, but once I read verse 17, it all became so incredibly simple and clear. God only desires the sacrifice of our selfish and self-important wills. He accepts and forgives those who are humble, honest, and dependent on His Grace. Having the right spirit is the key to my relationship with God, because no other sacrifice will please Him. Thank you Tom for including me in your prayers and letting God speak to me through your comment and the scripture you included.
Tom Felten on June 27, 2014 at 1:21 pm
kbuckman473, I’m so glad these verses touched your heart today by the work of God’s Holy Spirit. Psalm 51 continues to both inspire and convict me. It’s a beautiful prayer that reveals God’s amazing grace and lavish love—extended to us! And as you said, yes, God truly desires a sacrifice of a broken heart and obedience to Him. May we offer those things to Him today. Thanks again for writing and by your transparency blessing me and the whole ODJ community!
LCC on June 27, 2014 at 5:30 am
Spending time in His presence, where just Him and me in prayer and worship with songs. Also, reading and meditating on His Word.
Tom Felten on June 27, 2014 at 9:59 am
LCC, yes, it’s so vital to draw close to God and His heart when we’re walking though dark days. Music, reading, and meditating on His Word have been huge for me!