Morning Journal
I Thessalonians 5:7
“But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”
Doubt, fear, shame and condemnation are not of the light. This is focusing on our inner life. These negative thoughts and emotions that all of us struggle with. When we come to Christ we may have been in a bad way. We may have had some negative influences that instilled much of this darkness in us.
An overly critical parent built doubt and insecurity in a child. The critical message gets adopted by the child and it is their internal voice. It scolds them all day long. They in turn become critical of others. It’s all they know.
This is darkness. The Lord wants to shine His light on this. Hebrews 13:9 says “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.” God’s forgiveness, love and acceptance begin to quiet the inner, critical voice.
We are under new management. The Lord wants to over-ride the harshness within. Isaiah 40:11 says, “Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” He brings gentleness.
The Lord’s voice becomes known and the tenor of one’s life is changed. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”. The music of the heart has gone from insane heavy metal harshness to soothing sounds. The sharp whip crack of inner criticism fades and the wooing voice of the Spirit becomes more prominent. The darkness of criticism is driven out by His light.
Lord, thank You for the light of grace that brings peace to the critical heart. Help us to know Your voice better.