A perfect time for self - reflection

No words can accurately express all the various emotions I've felt this past four months. I've been happy at times to deep saddness. I'm sure you've been on a roller coaster of emotions,too.

Thanks be to God he's kept me out of the depths of saddness for long. He is my hope, salvation, solid rock, light, love, trust and more. Jesus is not like anyone in this world. He turns me back and causes me to focus on Him.

The Holy Spirit's revealing to me how so many people are focusing on what other's have done to them may it be hurt, pain, injustice and other negative actions they forget to look at their faults, wrong doing, hurt and pain they, themselves, have caused to others. Many aren't self - aware of their impact on others. They are so worried about being offended they forget about the offenses they done to others and most importantly God.

Your reactions reveals your pain. Most of these pains are childhood hurts from violations of love and/or safety. Both things are important to our childhood and development. When we don't feel loved or safe there are certain reactions or coping mechanisms we do. The more violations in our lives the more intense the pain and coping mechanisms we do.

Remember we live in a world where the devil has usurped our dominion - but Jesus died to get it back. (We won it back, but are still in the fight.) Sin is alive, still. You will get hurt. It's a fact of life. You will hurt others. If you have never hurt anyone or been hurt, you are the only one. Write your name in the comments!

Don't get me wrong. Being hurt is no fun. All the hurt, racism, injustice, pandemic and other evil things happening is painful to all. However hurting others because we hurt isn't the answer. It doesn't make us feel better (maybe for awhile but not for long).

This is where Jesus steps in. Jesus came to defeat Satan and get back the keys to the kingdom. He also took on the sins of us all to satisfy the judgment of God against us so we can get back into right relationship with Father God. He atones for the racism, injustice, hurts and pain done to us and what we've done to others. Thank you Jesus!

There is nothing we can do to restore back to us what was lost. Only Jesus. He paid it all. He is the restorer of my soul - and yours, too.

Romans 12 is a great chapter for principles of the Kingdom and Christ - followers. Please take the time to read it and apply to your life. Especially for when evil is done to you:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12: 20-21

                                                       Tips for your time of  self - reflection.

•  Read this previous post about self - awareness.
• Ask God to reveal hurts, pains and unforgiveness in you.
  
• Pray for revelations on the hurts and pain you caused others.
  
• Forgive others and yourself. Then say a blessing over those you forgave.
• Ask Jesus to heal those wounds. Warning: this will hurt. But in the end you will feel lighter, grateful and loved. Get a good cry.
• Journal your thoughts. Write a lament to God about your hurt and pain. Praise Him for what He is going to give you in response.
  
• Healing is a process and it doesn't happen over night.
  
• Worship the Lord.
  
• Believe in your worth and value to God. He loves you with an everlating love!
  
• Read 10 Truths You Should Know for positive Biblically inspired truths about you.
  
• Take a break from social media, news and other media as much as possible to not get ovewhelmed. 
  
• Refresh and recharge in your favorite way. Eat chocolate, spa day, read a book, exercise, hike, what ever is your pleasure!
  
• Remember no guilt and shame that was nailed to the cross.
• Share your thoughts with a caring close friend, spouse or family member.
• Find something that makes you laugh!

Thanks for reading. I used the first few months of quarantine for self - reflection. Please keep in prayer for a revival. I've been making a few videos for my YouTube channel. Here's my newest one. Enjoy. Love ya!