Self-Sabotage and that Judgmental Voice!

“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:16 Amplified Bible

“One day in God’s grace is equivalent to a thousand days of striving by your own efforts.” ~ Joseph Prince

Over and over and over we try to change something in ourselves and disappointment reigns.  A set-up for self-loathing and major disappointment. I won’t, I won’t, I won’t eat that. I won’t spend, I won’t spend, I won’t spend. I won’t drink, I won’t drink, I won’t drink. And then that parental, critical, judgmental voice beats the heck out of ourselves when we slip. Very rarely does someone commit perfectly to a major life change without slips. Going in my own strength, willpower, has shot me in the foot many times.

Focus. I’ve put my focus on not doing something. It never works. Remember that saying, “The beatings will continue until morale improves?” We say things to ourselves and about ourselves that we’d never say to another. And we think it’ll work on us.

Just a few verses earlier, Hebrews says we’ve ceased from works and entered God’s rest. His grace is sufficient. We are to meditate on whatever is true, noble and lovely. That ain’t easy in this world. We forget that we are beloved, cherished and important to the point of our Father’s son saying on the cross, “It is finished.”

Musings

Every time I start to berate, judge and condemn myself, I bring up a verse that reminds me grace and love are mine. However one needs to do it, memorization, note cards, journaling or silent prayer, starts the process of the “upward call of Christ.” Jesus didn’t condemn. Confess, be open and try again tomorrow with grace. At some point in our walk, very quietly, we’ll find the wonderful change in us.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Today we pray these words said by your Son: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” We thank you for all we’re learning from you.

Amen.

Thank you.

Amen.