"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
God has used so many passages to awaken my soul to sin. Sin is a word some hate to hear, but lets just call it what it is. Sin is anything that is contrary to the law or will of God. Let me fill you in on a little secret. One struggle I've had for as long as I can remember is the sin of anger. It's something I've been feverishly working on for the past two months. I've seen God empower me with His grace in working on this area of my life, but I still fall short many days with my family. Those I love and cherish the most are the ones who are hurt by my anger.
When I wake up it begins. I'm not a morning person. I pray and pray that one day that may change, but so far the mornings are a huge struggle for me. I have to lay in bed and think on or meditate on a few verses to get my heart in the right place before my feet even hit the floor. Some days I fail big time when I'm awakened from a deep sleep, but I am trying to do better.
Scripture where I can visibly see it is has been a big help. Writing out verses on note cards and reading them over and over again has also been a blessing. Washing my soul with God's Word has been the key, along with prayer. If my focus becomes "me" centered and not God centered, I begin to fail miserably. Think on this:
Reading God's word throughout the day helps me to keep my gaze, my eyes, set on Him. I know what some of you are thinking! "Jen, I have kids and I can't possibly read God's word all day long." I'm not asking you to take hours and hours out of your day. If you can and are in a place in life that gives you that time, go for it! I'm saying to find ways to see and read Scripture throughout the day as you wash the dishes, brush your teeth or rest. As I sit here typing, I can see 1 Corinthian 10:31 on my wall. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I have friends who have Scripture wall art all over their homes. Tonya has a wonderful Wall Art business! You can find many great scriptures and quotes for your home on her site. I also simply jot down key verses on something I know I need reminded of on a 3 by 5 card and tape it up where I can see it throughout the day.
These are just a few of the verses that I read over and over again. Maybe your sin struggle is different than this particular one of mine. (I have many.) Take some time to write down verses that will help you seek God's face in the middle of the struggle or temptation to sin."A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24
"A man (or woman) without self control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Proverbs 25:28 (emphasis added in bold.)
"For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife." Proverbs 30:33
There are days when I still fail. I in no way have a handle on it all. When I slip up, I go to my kids or husband and seek repentance and forgiveness. My kids may even tire of hearing me ask, but I pray it teaches them humility and to do what is right.
Sing, sweet friend. I'm sure all or most of you know this song. Singing and humming a song to the Lord has helped me on more occasions than I can count. This song comes quickly to my heart often and I'm praying the lyrics will minister to your heart too.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
- O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!
- Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
- Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are!
- His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
By Helen Lemmel
We can do this. We can slay these sins that so easily beset us. The key is God's Word and prayer. We cannot grow and be sanctified to become more like Christ without spending time in His Word and talking to Him. He is always there. (Even at 4 am as I type.) Let's put on our full armor of God before our feet hit the floor. Imagine a warrior princess dressed in armor, sword in hand ready to fight! That Bible is your sword, dear friend. Let's gear up and go to battle!
10 Responses to “Keeping Your Heart in Check”
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About Jennifer
Hello there! I’m Jennifer and Welcome to my website – A Home with Purpose. My passion is sharing Christ’s Love and recipes with my Trim Healthy Mama friends. Learn more about me.
Thank you for all you do to help us on THM. You are so helpful and I want to give you a BIG thank you. I pray God richly blesses you for your care, concern and your willingness to help all of us.You are a great blessing to me. Thanks again.
Same battle here.. Not a morning person either. It really helps to lay in bed and pray.. Then start reading and use my study. Makes a difference!
Love the idea of verses all around that speak on anger, going to try that! Love ya! 💞
Your sweet spirit is in this article. I always look forward to your emails.
Bless you for sharing your heart…sometimes it’s nice to know others struggle too!
To get myself out of bed I started setting my alarm for about an hour before my children and grandchildren are up so that I could pray specifically for each of them. Knowing that I am making a difference in their lives and interceding for them each day before the battles even begin helps me rise out of my comfortable bed with much more ease.
Your blog and page are very inspiring to me. Speaking to self but sharing out loud… if I have time to be online, I have time to read His word. Thank you, Jen!
Thank you for this beautiful devotion to start my day. Praise God for your strong will and encouragement to us all.
Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s word. I am putting my armour on and God’s word in my heart and worship in my step and God’s Word on my walls so I will be a soldier ready at all times. I loved the movie War Room and how she put her prayer request on sticky notes just so you can go back and see where God has brought us from. Thank you for always being real with us. That is what our world wants to see, just broken vessels in need of a Saviour…
Your brokenness allows Jesus to shine through & illuminate another woman’s battle.
Thank you for sharing so vulnerably.
Great reminder that our focus should be on God in everything we do!