Through this study in Proverbs, there has been so many times that I have felt the sting of guilt and regret. Perhaps that is what always in the past caused me to leave Proverbs before ever finishing it. This time I committed to you that we would journey all of the way through—not just bits and pieces of my choosing; but all of it. When I look back over my past and even gaze into my present; I cannot help but see my failures to speak as I should, to learn as I should, and to be all that I should to represent Christ. What kind of fool am I to think that God could use me with all my frailties? Perhaps, exactly the kind of fool you need to help you along this Pilgrimage—this journey you have been asked to walk.
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The question arises, Am I Defined By the Words which at times run through my head or AM I Defined by the Truth of God’s Grace and Words about who I AM IN Christ?
In a problem with pain, C.S.Lewis wrote: “We actually are, at present, creatures whose character must be, in some respects, a horror to God, as it is, when we really see it, a horror to ourselves. This I believe to be a fact: and I notice that the holier a man is, the more fully he is aware of that fact.”
As I turned the page to Proverbs 15 and carefully read it over and over again; a light of hope emerged from the darkness of my own spirit. The entire chapter is
enlaced with the power of words that can give life. So, I urge you read it word by word and search for the power of joy found there.
When I look back over my life, I see words such as failure, defeat, financial idiot, and many others. I walked through abuse, widowhood, cancer, grave illness, multiple surgeries, and financial destruction more than I can tell you. I have opened my mouth when it should be shut, searched for love where it couldn’t be found, and fought to prove my worth where it didn’t really matter. And so are these the words that define who I am? NO, they are not. I see that once more as I turned the page to read Proverbs 15 and I am reminded of who I am in Christ. You see without Him, I am all of those words; but, in Him I am His declared Saint, Blessed, Chosen, Child of God, Risen Redeemed, Enlightened, Beloved, New Creation, Heir of Royalty, Prisoner of Love, Servant of the most High God, and filled with His sustaining Faith.
Last year I wrote a thirteen part series entitled “Living In Christ” which was a reminder of that fact of who we are in Christ. There is where we find our joy and our hope. Those are the words that can once more give life, hope, strength and joy along this pilgrimage journey. Are there moments along this Christian life that cause us to fall, to find ourselves struggling with all our might to hold onto those truths? Certainly, I think that is true of every Christian. That is the malady that forces us always back to the foot of the cross to gaze upon our precious Savior. To keep me humble, perhaps that is the plight I must always return to. Yet, in the midst of it all, this I do know and have learned—God knows exactly what is needed to transform me into the likeness of Christ and I trust Him.
Don’t let the words which play in your head about yourself remain that which destroys you or holds you back from telling the world about Christ. Instead let those become the springboard to telling people all of what Christ has done for you. As you remind yourself who you are in Christ, you will also feel a resurgence of joy, hope, and love. Then you can fight for your joy IN CHRIST in the midst of whatever chaos you are in.
For those who would like to read more about Living in Christ, you can read the series from last year which began with these.
Living a Life In Christ-Part 1 What are the Fruits?
Living a Life in Christ-(Part 2A) Dear Child of God–Chosen, Blessed, Saint
Living the Life In Christ (Part 2B)- Risen-Redeemed, Enlightened, Beloved New Creation of God
Living in Christ-Part 2C- Royalty, Faith-filled, Servants, Prisoners
I think you will realize the richness of these words by Matthew West in Hello, My Name Is
Matthew West – Hello, My Name Is (Lyrics)
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”