July 18
but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong. Joshua 17:18
No matter who we are, it seems we are addicted to or obsessed by something in our lives. We may be the cigarette smoker, who despite repeated attempts for years to quit, is having a most difficult time of it. Even though there is evidence of the inevitable significant health issues or pleas from loved ones, the battle continues. Or are we the over-eater, who finds it hard to resist that second helping of favorite food and when met with the scent of a delicious desert or yummy dish, a craving is set off that must be satisfied? Perhaps we're the gambler who has robbed family of precious time, let alone created an economic blow, who feels if he or she tries just one more time, all their financial problems will be resolved. Then again, could we be the alcoholic, whose drastic personality changes cause heartache and fear in the lives we touch, and regardless of promises to change, incapable of seeing the pain and sorrow our behavior is creating? And how many other addictions are there that may affect our lives? Drug addiction – such a devastating issue in our society today affecting all ages! But there are also so many others we may consider; such as addictions to our “gizmos,” or self- time, amassing money or things, shopping, gossip, self pride and competition, for some even work or exercise! Then again, couldn't some addictions actually be good for us? How about being addicted to God? That’s something to think about!
This passage brings us such hope for coping with any negative addiction we may have, and a plan to move forward with. For we are reminded that with God’s help we can do anything, and through His grace we are given the strength needed to clear or heads, hearts and bodies of those things contrary to our well being. God assures us that He is surrounding us with whomever and whatever is needed to help us do so, and with that support we are able to continue the battle to drive out the negatives. He will provide us with limitless opportunities to accomplish what we need to. Placing our hands in His, we can view the “farthest borders” that we are working toward, with confidence.
Father, while we take time to consider addictions we have in our lives, we pray for an understanding that with your help, we have the strength within to overcome anything.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong. Joshua 17:18
No matter who we are, it seems we are addicted to or obsessed by something in our lives. We may be the cigarette smoker, who despite repeated attempts for years to quit, is having a most difficult time of it. Even though there is evidence of the inevitable significant health issues or pleas from loved ones, the battle continues. Or are we the over-eater, who finds it hard to resist that second helping of favorite food and when met with the scent of a delicious desert or yummy dish, a craving is set off that must be satisfied? Perhaps we're the gambler who has robbed family of precious time, let alone created an economic blow, who feels if he or she tries just one more time, all their financial problems will be resolved. Then again, could we be the alcoholic, whose drastic personality changes cause heartache and fear in the lives we touch, and regardless of promises to change, incapable of seeing the pain and sorrow our behavior is creating? And how many other addictions are there that may affect our lives? Drug addiction – such a devastating issue in our society today affecting all ages! But there are also so many others we may consider; such as addictions to our “gizmos,” or self- time, amassing money or things, shopping, gossip, self pride and competition, for some even work or exercise! Then again, couldn't some addictions actually be good for us? How about being addicted to God? That’s something to think about!
This passage brings us such hope for coping with any negative addiction we may have, and a plan to move forward with. For we are reminded that with God’s help we can do anything, and through His grace we are given the strength needed to clear or heads, hearts and bodies of those things contrary to our well being. God assures us that He is surrounding us with whomever and whatever is needed to help us do so, and with that support we are able to continue the battle to drive out the negatives. He will provide us with limitless opportunities to accomplish what we need to. Placing our hands in His, we can view the “farthest borders” that we are working toward, with confidence.
Father, while we take time to consider addictions we have in our lives, we pray for an understanding that with your help, we have the strength within to overcome anything.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson