Is. 55:11 | considering the word

I just can’t stop thinking about that verse. “So then faith comes from hearing…” Ro. 10:17

Do you know what else we hear? We hear our own thoughts in our heads. We talk to ourselves all the time. What are we saying? Not only that, but sometimes we allow the enemy to run thoughts through our minds that bring us down. What are we hearing?

“I’ll never be as smart as her.”

“Man, he really has it all together. Look how successful he is.”

“It’s hopeless.”

“Her kids are so perfect. I feel like such a mess.”

“I never do anything right.”

“I can’t do this. It’s too hard.”

“God doesn’t hear my prayers. What’s the point?”

Pr. 22:17 tells us to incline our ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply our hearts to knowledge. We will find wisdom and knowledge in the Word of God. The truth, which are the words that counteract all of the thoughts above, is within God’s Word.

If faith comes from hearing, we need to be careful what we are saying to ourselves. We need to be hearing words of truth, of life, of wisdom. We need to put on our helmets of salvation, get out our swords (the Bible), and begin reading words that are living and powerful, that pierce even to the division of soul and spirit, and discern our thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 5:12)

In fact, we can trust that God’s Word will help us in our time of need because Is. 55: 11 says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Where we fail in cheering ourselves us, or convincing ourselves that things are ok, God prevails! Where we fail in pushing down thoughts of hopelessness, God’s hope achieves exactly that! God’s Word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. He sheds light on our darkest moments, situations, and thoughts.

Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness, and the hope we find within the refuge of Your name. Thank You for shielding and protecting us when we turn to You.

So, each day, when we notice any thoughts that threaten to drag us down or pull us away from God, we need to turn to the truth of God’s word, allow it to take them captive, and allow Him to give us discernment and breathe life and truth back into us.

We’ve got this! Because, with God, all things are possible. 😉

jamie

Pr. 19:23: “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.”

Attempting to guide my children in the truths of the Bible isn’t always easy. Lately I’ve been unsure if I’m handling things right.

While trying to teach them about sin, I am very nervous that I might leave out the beauty of grace. Then, while I’m busy teaching grace, I have an ever-present fear that I’m leaving no room for accountability and repentance.

This morning I bumped into this Proverb about ‘the fear of the Lord,’ and I realize that the only answer for me as a parent is to walk this fine line with a foundation of prayer and trust in the Lord.

In my own strength, I will never be able to teach them exactly right. The beauty of God’s word is that it does not return to Him void. It accomplishes what God pleases, and will prosper in the purpose for which it was sent. (Is. 55:11) Therefore, I must conclude that speaking the Word into my children’s lives is my job. Accomplishing what God pleases is His.

Also, I must keep in mind that I was not created as The Holy Spirit. While it is my job to guide and teach my children, it is the Holy Spirit who will bring to their remembrance the things they’ve learned about God as they walk through their lives. (Jn. 14:26)

Fear of the Lord is something I can demonstrate in my own life and in the way I teach and train my children. The more we learn about God, the more our own values and character will be fashioned after His.

I must also demonstrate what it means to grow in Christ. While speaking to my daughter about self-control a few weeks ago, I realized that I’m not bearing that same fruit in certain areas in my own life. So, I had to make some adjustments. Allowing her to see those weaknesses in me and to see how I choose to confront them will testify my beliefs to her more than any words I could ever speak.

So, do I know exactly how to walk this thin line of teaching sin and grace at the same time. Definitely not. But I know the One who does and I am reminded that not only is His strength is made perfect in my weakness, but that He loves and cares for my children even more than I ever could. He will guide and water them as His own. I just need to plant the seeds.

I’m thinking the best way to teach them is for me to continue to stay grounded in Him. Thank you, Lord, for this reminder. I trust in You.

Learning,

jamie