Thursday, February 4, 2010

THANKFUL THURSDAY...the river

Sometimes, even when we realize that we are beautiful, free and beloved children of God, we continue to play the victim. I find it tempting to stay mentally stuck on one sad page of my life. The voice of the enemy plays each chapter over and over in my head. The chapter of "you are unloved." Then theres the chapter of "you must be unworthy, why else does everyone walk out?" These voices, this temptation keeps us from falling forward into freedom.

I heard a song on the radio that I was not familiar with, but I liked the words. It talked about stepping into joy. The lyrics were about deciding whether you were going to remain on the sidelines and whine. "Why doesn't joy ever come to me?" Sometimes I think, we have to step right in or the voices will lure us away.

Isn't that what God instructed the Israelites to do when crossing the river Jordan? The river was roaring, but yet God was asking them to step in and trust Him. God promised He would make a way, and as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.

JOSHUA 3:15-16 "When the priests go to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge, the flow of water stopped." (MSG)

The Israelites had to actually step into the river before God parted the waters. God will bless our baby steps of faith ... What's keeping you from stepping out in faith? All it takes is for you to just step in the river!

I am thankful for the River of Life that flows with Gods love, joy and deliverance! What are you grateful for today?

IRIS is hosting THANKFUL THURSDAY, join your grateful heart with ours over there today!

7 comments:

Apron Senorita said...

Hi Laurie,
Thanks for the inspirational message. I know how it feels to have to trust God, especially when being asked to relocate. We're blessed to have a loving Father who knows what is up ahead on this road of life.

Have a good day!
Yoli :)

Debbie said...

Boy is this ever true for me....Sometimes I am truly amazed that the same lines that worked for the enemy years ago for me, can STILL lure me in. He certainly does whatever we let him do doesn't he? Thanks for all this. Have a wonderful day. BTW, if you could send me your e-mail again, I have the devotional ready for Laced with Grace. I am suppose to send it your e-mail right? Hugs, Debbie

annies home said...

what an inspiration your post is today we need to trust God more often and the stress in our lives would then be measurable in his love

bp said...

Hi Laurie, Hope you are having a blessed day!
Bethany

Blessed Among Women said...

Thank you! It's hard to not keep thinking about the sad page of life,but we have to press through! After all, we live in the most free nation in America! I am so glad to be back and you encourage me so much!!

Holly said...

Wow... I'm so thankful that I signed up for your page to be emailed to me..... today you nailed me to the floor.... You are so right.. I believe we have to CHOOSE JOY..... We all could stay on sadville page and that is exactly what the enemy would love.... But God has a greater and better plan for our lives if we will only step out in faith and trust Christ.... Great post.... Thanks,

Pia said...

wow! this is the same message i read for today's devotional. i just said a prayer because i not sure what God wanted me to do now. i'm waiting for His instruction.