It seems so peaceful to stop fighting, to just give in to the force inside that is warring for what it wants. However, true peace comes from fighting and winning not surrendering.
Restraint. Who wants that? A golden rule of the world around me is that I should cast off restraint. There is nothing better than living young, wild, and free. Conformity to societal (or religious) norms are death. They suffocate. They are a big part of what is wrong with the world. I should do me. #treatyoself
I am not going to lie. That thought is enticing. It seems so peaceful to stop fighting, to just give in to the force inside that is warring for what it wants. Advice doesn’t seem to motivate. Reason doesn’t persuade— The heart wants what the heart wants.
Of all the challenges I face in life, my heart is by far my most daunting opponent. Self-deception and self-justification is my specialty. How do you fight someone who knows your weaknesses to this extent? Who knows the arguments that are most convincing? Who knows the real reasons why you do what you do and seeks to exploit every available vulnerability?
Restraint.
I want that ability.
I have two options. I can either make peace. Or I can fight.
I want to fight.
I want the power of God’s spirit working through me to say yes to my creator and no to the sinful desires that wage war against my soul.
I know where this power comes from.
I know, because I have seen it so many times. It is just so easy to forget. So, I have to keep reminding myself. I need Godly counsel from friends. I need passionate preaching from scripture. I need daily intake of the word of God. I need to hear from him. I need to know these words so that I can expose the lies I tell myself.
So, here we go.
I am going to read.
I am going to meditate.
I am going to call out to God in total desperation.
I am going to rest in the finished work of God in Jesus.
I am going to going to confess my sin.
And if I fall, by God’s grace, I am going to get back up.
Restraint.
Who wants that?
I do.
