Monday, January 4, 2016

It's Not About Me but the State of Me


We are on day 4 of a New Year. I must admit I am happy to return to work and a somewhat normal daily routine. The time off to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with those I love was needed but when my routine is changed for too long it throws me off balance.

I am a girl who thrives on a routine.

Now that we've entered a New Year, for many it's a time for reflection and setting new goals.

I'm not a girl who thrives on goal setting.

Sure, I'd love to read through the Bible this year and I would love to improve my prayer life. I would love to read more books too. These are worthwhile goals but I dislike the whole goal setting thing for the potential let down when I fall short, as I likely would.


As I wrote in my last post, the only want I have for 2016, and the years to come, is to want God more than anything else. For if my eyes and heart are truly focused on this one want, and it's not just an empty commitment, than any other want will be what God wants for me. And won't I be more in tune with His desires for me?

I have thought more about the want to be good at just one thing. If I do something based on whether or not I am good at it (I could paraphrase this as doing something for praise), I have made it all about me. If God asks me to write or to shepherd a group of ladies through His Word, or any other activity for that matter, it should never be about whether or not I am good at those things. It should be about showing up and serving where God has called me to serve.

Now grant it, I already knew this truth. Isn’t it funny how we often need reminders?

"God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."

So, yes, I have reminded myself again that in whatever way I serve Him, it is not about me. To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.



Nevertheless, would you allow me to give you somewhat of a “state of me” address? For the most part it can be summed up this way: "it is well with my soul." Despite certain circumstances, all is well.

A reflection of 2015 reveals growth, the "only God" kind of growth. I am notorious for falling to the lies of the enemy, especially when it comes to the kind of person he says I am. I fall less though. I believe the enemy less and God more. Our enemy has less of a foothold on my thoughts. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

My heart is mending from a loss.

I walk in freedom from an eating disorder, minus one slip. Thank you, God, for your forgiveness and for helping me to stand again to continue in this walk.

Relationships with extended family are stronger. Maybe one day I will expand on this or I will just focus on extending gratitude to God for opening my eyes to see the error in my way of thinking. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Isaiah 55:8

A second deployment does not steal my joy. Trust me, the second time around is not easier. It takes more intentionality to not let my joy be taken.

Even though separated by a large number of miles from my husband, I witness God use the time we are apart to grow our marriage in new ways.

This growth happens only because my trust is in Him; it happens only because of Him. God alone is the source of my abiding joy. “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4

I think I shall stick with my one want of wanting Him more than anything else.

Will you join me?


  Share |

13 comments :

  1. Yes I will join you and I love seeing you here in this space again. Deepening my relationship with God is my greatest desire also, not just this year but every year. Praying for you as we begin this year, that joy is always present and God's presence is stronger than ever. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, Beth, I will join you. For there is nothing more lasting and sustaining than my relationship with the Lord. All else changes, but there is nothing that offers security like standing on The Rock. It is only by His grace, and because of His love, that "all is well with my soul."

    For that, I am eternally grateful.

    GOD BLESS!

    (That's my word for 2016 - grateful! How is God going to transform a nervous, negative girl like me?! To be continued...!!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm with you, Beth. I love daily routines ... and have gotten away from goal setting in this season.

    Celebrating your freedom, praying for the difficult mending process.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beth,
    I'm all in with you in wanting Him more. More of Him...less of me!! When we seek Him first, everything else has a way of falling into place. So glad to hear a good "state of my heart" update!
    With love and blessings,
    Bev xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, I will join you Beth. While I have set some loose goals for myself to help me to move towards God, really, I just want to sit in His Presence, hear His voice and let Him love me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Showing up is what He wants for us, isn't it? And trusting the outcome in His hands. And your want is perfect for the One we cannot be without.

    ReplyDelete
  7. After reading your "I want God" post (I'm a little behind in commenting) I was thinking that your #oneword365 should be HIM :) Love your 'state of me' address and the soft way you've re-entered this space, my friend. and a hearty Amen to this, "I believe the enemy less and God more." So thankful to be connecting with you here, sweet Beth. Here is to His glory in all we do in 2016 and beyond.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, dear Beth, the "state of you" is filled with God's Presence and peace. You are such a lovely woman from the heart. I hold you and your husband in prayer. God holds him near.
    Thank you for coming by as I have not been by here in forever either.
    with love, ~ linda

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Beth! I think entering into anything with attention and intention is bound to turn out well. And that's what you're doing here, don't you think? Looking out to others, their goals and thoughts can always be inspiring. But...they can also make me ripe for comparison, and maybe trying something that's not meant for me.

    You do what God is calling you to do. He knows you best. If He calls, answer! Until then, follow in faith. What else can He ask you to do??

    Happy Wednesday my friend,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a fantastic thing for 2016...to want Him more! What could be better? I know He will give you the strength you need while you await the return of your love...(Thank you, Scott for serving and making the sacrifices you do!)

    It feels so good to be back in the blogging world again...I'm going to be stopping by often!

    Love you, friend, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a good "state of me" - simplybeth and simply true! The simple things are the most powerful - are they not - just wanting more of God! Like you said, with each trust, I trust more. Maybe that's why people when they're about 90 have such a solid walk with God - they've had a lifetime of building those trust "muscles." Praying for you and yours who are serving! You are such a gentle, wise warrior wife!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! I love hearing from you and I read every one. Be sure to subscribe to comments or check back as I try to respond to all comments. I also do my best to hop on over to your blog for a visit.
Much love to you.