Purpose.

Sometimes I lose sight of my purpose. I forget what I was created for. Lately, I've been bored and that's lead me to question life's purpose. I have been reading God's word every day, but I haven't been dwelling on it. I read a passage and move on to the next task, neglecting to ask God to teach me something new each day. Slowly, I've forgotten truths from the Bible that I should never have let go. Tonight I decided to change that. I confessed everything that has been hindering my relationship with God to him and I asked for forgiveness. Then I committed to live according to God's truth. I wrote a prayer in my journal, and the verses below the lines on the pages I wrote on literally leaped off the pages and hit me smack on the head. 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Psalm 51:10, Isaiah 49:13, and finally Mark 9:23 each in turn spoke to my empty heart. You see, I've let truths escape my heart and as a result, it has become filthy on the inside, even though the outside looks clean, just like Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27. As I spent time in prayer talking to the LORD, He poured so much truth into my heart and now I'm bursting with joy. He gave me purpose and peace. When my prayer was over, I was satisfied, but I just wanted to keep talking to my Creator and never stop. Even now I can't wait to spend more time in his word. God lead me to read James 1 after I had finished praying, since I thought of James 1:5-8 during my prayer. My doubt has been hindering my relationship with Christ. He wants to give me good things, but when my loyalty is divided between Him and the world, how can He? Scripture really struck me tonight and I pray that it stays in this tiny heart of mine. God is the One who gives life to all things. He plants a purpose in our hearts and in the depths of our souls. Praise him for giving us purpose and joy! Seek God and spend time in his word daily. Don't undermine the power of prayer - it's how we build a deep, personal relationship with our Savior.


"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." -James 1:21


I leave with you James 1:22-25. Soak in the words and as you do, let God create in you a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within you. I encourage you to read the rest of the chapter, and look up the other Bible verses I referenced above. Let's listen to God's word and obey His laws that set us free!


In Christ,
Jessica


But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. -James 1:22-25