We all have things in our lives that we wish were different. I’m not talking about the pillows on your sofa. If you don’t like the gray ones, switch them out for a nice beige. That’s simple. It takes minimal thought or effort. I’m talking about the deeper things. Maybe it’s things you purposely ignore or try to hide. It could be certain “tendencies” that you tell yourself are “just family traits”. It could be thought patterns that you instinctively know are wrong but you dismiss it as “just how I am”. A lot of our “baggage” is learned behavior. A lot of it is our choice. Ouch! Guilty. As much as I try to lay blame on my genetics, my choices are my choices. Yes, curly hair is a result of a dip in the gene pool, anger management is not. Good news! You’re not alone. We all struggle with something. My thing may not be your thing, but the struggles are real. Human beings have been “human” since the beginning. There has only ever been One perfect person to walk the earth. His name is Jesus and He wants to help you.
Just to lay the framework of how messed up things are, I want you to see that we’re all in this together. The Bible says, “As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous— not even one.’” (Romans 3:10 NLT) This is just a reminder that every single one of us has a tug of war going on within us. Right is pulling one way and wrong is pulling just as hard on the other side. The Apostle Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. He was certainly used mightily by God. Listen to what he says about his own conflict. “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19 NLT) He’s describing the sinful condition our flesh is in. It wants what it wants, has the tendency to say whatever is on its mind and stirs up all kinds of trouble in its path. This, my friends, is the human condition. Paul goes on to say that he ultimately recognizes what’s going on here. “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” (Romans 7:22-23 NLT)
So yes, even the great Apostle Paul experienced the same tug of war we face every day. He says it’s in the mind. The beautiful thing about this war of right and wrong is that the child of God has Jesus pulling for us on the right side. He’s already conquered every sin there is to conquer. He will never be defeated! He’s pulling for you in your personal tug of war. He’s already beat whatever you’re up against and gave you his trophy of victory anyway. So why go through it, we ask? We have to understand what we’re saved from to appreciate it and love The One who did it for us. The hard things in life shape us into the people of God’s family. They allow us to have compassion on others who are struggling and create a family of people who help each other. We don’t judge each other. We pray for one another and help in any way we can.
Sometimes we know something is “off” and we can’t quite put our finger on it. It’s hard to ask others for help when you don’t even know what’s weighing you down. You just know that you don’t feel exactly right. Your joy is zapped and you’re buckling under pressure. God knows. He knows every detail about you. He wants to work through these issues with you. He wants to carry the baggage that’s weighing you down. “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (Psalms 34:17 NLT) Did you get that? ALL of our troubles. Even if we don’t know what the trouble is. He’s telling you to call to Him for help. He hears you. He encompasses all power to work out every situation. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is cry out to the Lord, Help me!
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
Such a timely message to me. Thank you for sharing this wisdom with us. ❤️