Is anyone else having a challenge of doing things scriptural, verses what the secular world says. As in scripture says to put others before me whereas the secular world says put me first. I know what is right, just wondering if others may struggle with this. And how do we mourn the loss of ourselves without sinking into depression? How do we have joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations? It seems that as time passes my patience doesn't hurt as much, (must be experience), but still everyday I start wearing down where my patience begins to hurt a little and I am struggling not to let it be seen. I spend a lot of time in prayer and in the word, that is the only way I have the strength to do this, putting myself aside. But as a faulty human being, I am still in a struggle and seek like minded individuals who understand. May God bless all those who are loving their loved ones to the best of their ability.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
And I know God understands us, weakness, shortcomings and all!
Thank you so very much, I truly appreciate you speaking truth and light.
May God bless you in your journey. Hope to see more of your understanding. You are a blessing.
I think doing what’s right requires different levels of thoughts and actions and in a very simplified way when it comes to caregiving, I believe this would be the order:
- First, deciding to do what is right over what’s easy
- Second, taking action and actually doing what’s right (putting others before us)
- Third, achieving a level of acceptance, commitment and understanding that allows us to do the right thing without resenting others or feeling sad or angry for what we are missing or sacrificing. Not blaming, not complaining, not feeling sorry for ourselves, not wishing our life was different...etc.
All the steps of that process are very challenging for our human condition, but when you break the process down like that, you may realize that if you’ve acknowledged what the right path is, and have followed it, the third step is a constant challenge, a constant test for our faith and our endurance. It really doesn’t end. Some days we succeed and others we fail. It basically intents perfection, which although not impossible, we know is a true challenge for all humans.
So, I really believe we don’t completely fail by not achieving perfect acceptance. That’s were prayer comes to our rescue, and where the Lord who knows our heart an our intent better than us, helps us, because He does undoubtedly help us every day and every second of each day, so we keep going.
Long answer to say that I do believe we should put others first, even if that requires keeping silent when we would like to say something to just defend ourselves. God knows our truth.
I also believe we need to apply common sense and take care of ourselves so we can serve. That’s not contrary to our dedication to service.
May God keep helping every one of us on this journey, caregivers and loved ones, and more so those that need care and attention yet are forgotten and not being cared for nor receiving love or consolation!
It is one of my Mom's favorite verses, i bet she would love to know that song also, she loves singing.
I am going to try and find it. thank you for telling me about it.
"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
You all bring me joy, I believe to our Saviour as well, glorifying and praising him.
Thank you so much. May God bless each of you in your situations of life.
Psalms 27:4-5 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock
Thank you for sharing.
Dear smeshque,
Thank you for your continued blessings.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
I heard a good lesson today on redeeming the time. Not overlooking or passing up opportunities to do good, while waiting for what you think it should look like. Anyway it was an eye opener.
May God bless you all.
Both the Humbling part and the casting all my cares upon him. I am sooooooo trying to do those things. Thank you for bringing that verse to mind. A reminder to me and all of us, to continue growing.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Your turn