Pain has no memory. Praise God. Can you imagine what that would be like if it did? We'd have horrific memories of such painful times. I would, anyway.
My addiction has taken me down many roads. I had many, many regrets. Before I completely understood the Finished work of Jesus, I was full of shame and anguish over some of the places that my life had taken me in my use. Now that isn't to say that I was a horrible person, because I was not - but for me, it was excruciatingly painful what I'd done to my family - my friends and the people that love me. An then there is myself. The times that I'd gone against my own values and honor. I'm a very altruistic person, and a person of integrity - I don't hurt people nor do dishonorable things without it hurting me much worse than those that I've offended. I've a very tender, intense heart. Often times I wish I did not - but other times I'm grateful for it. It makes me quite compassionate and very intuitive. Every characteristic we have of our personalities has an alternative opposing side to it. Or at least this is how I see it. I've worked on myself and defined my character defects and came to learn that on the other side is an effective positive trait that can be brought out if one applies themselves. It's sort of like what you feed. Alas, I've digressed tremendously...
Struggles as of late. I've had to downgrade several of my much beloved things. However, they're just things. Most of you know how I feel about "things". They don't make us. So it wasn't so hard. What is hard is this job search. Having to put yourself out there -- and deduce yourself to a sheet of paper, now this is hard. Idle time, is hard. It's just me and Jesus. That's easy --- but my past bubbles up. My fears, my phobia's - and the like. Knowing that I have to go into another work place and 'start - over'. We all have the same kind of thoughts. CAN I DO THIS?
I found this song by accident -- but you know me. Not much happens in my world by accident. I was getting ready and listening to music - and was praying. I'd been praying to know the deep things of God. I want to know God's heart. This is my greatest desire. I read twice today "seek His face".... which I thought was pretty cool. An then this song came on. Tears streamed down my face...
I have known that God has always had me, but this song verified it. Memories came flooding back, of times that I'd rather not recall actually when I was out of control with my use. Times that I know without a doubt that God had me in the palm of His hand. Losses that I've endured that nearly broke me - and God saw me through. God held me through. Times I've actually prayed for Jesus to hold me. Times I've hugged my dog because there was no one else. Times that some people never see because they have just not been there. Through surgeries and incidents when recovering, I was all alone. I've been alone, most of my life -with the exception of God. I would not be here today if it weren't for God. I know this to be true. Times I've prayed for God to catch my tears. I know that He has too. I'm "that" girl.
So whatever you're going through, right now. Know, and I mean know that there is a God and He cares for you. If He could have cared for me, He can care for you. Trust me, I wasn't a likely candidate at the time. Yet He was with me, the whole time, through the entire journey. I'm living, breathing, professing, proof. My testimony says it all. But of the grace of God - there go I.
Father god, Thank You for saving me when I did not deserve to be saved. Thank You for loving me when I did not deserve to be loved. Thank you for saving my life when I did not respect it. But Father most of all... for Your Son, Jesus who gave His life that we may have life, and have it more abundantly - here on earth. Thank You for Your sacrifice - and your covenant of grace - and your mercy that never ends. Thank you Father God for loving me, most of all, when I did not love myself. In Jesus holy name, Amen.
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