My title is This is Me vs This is Him.
In the excellent movie/musical, The Greatest Showman, one of the songs has the refrain “This is who I claim to be/This is me.” It is sung by the bearded lady who comes into her own in spite of what others think or say about her “oddity.” Living in shame because of her beard, possibly caused by POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), she realized who she was as a person which gave her and all the others confidence in who they were.
Confidence is good…as long as the confidence is grounded in the right place. Grounded in self, it crumbles; grounded in the Father gives it a foundation.
The psalmist wrote: “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!” (Ps. 35:1-2)
Sometimes God has an amazing way of reminding me of this truth. The phrase “give thanks in all circumstances” is very pointed. Some of those circumstances are not good. Some of them have been put in front of me to show me I am unable to do what needs to be done by myself! He wants me to see that He is the One I need by my side. Perhaps if I could do it on my own I would take credit for it. Who knows? That is when, I’m convinced, God steps in and says, “I got this. I’ll fight for you.”
The people of Israel basically said God wasn’t enough when they clamored for a king. They wanted to be like the nations around them. God was not enough. Nor was He amused. But, seriously, how many time do I say that through the course of my day by the choices I make, my actions, or my words?
“Father, be enough. I can’t do this on my own no matter how strong or prepared or equipped I think I am. Contend for me as David asked you to do for him. Let me allow you to do that and give up control.”
I am actually finding it easier to give up control as I get older. I now realize I am not wise enough, strong enough, powerful enough, influential enough, etc to BE in control. Thankfully, God is. Thanks for the reminder, Bill.
I think I am giving up control but then find myself wrestling it away again. But…I am finding it easier especially since I don’t have the energy sometimes to fight. 🙂 And you’re welcome pam.
Great post Bill, I had come to understand the phrase “give thanks in all circumstances” more last year during a personal retreat. Giving thanks in all circumstances is not necessarily the same thing as giving thanks for the circumstances. In fact, I can give thanks despite the circumstances. I have so much to be thankful for outside of any given circumstance I may be in.
I agree with you Ryan about the “in all circumstances” vs “for all…” I am certainly not going to give thanks for a hardship but I can do so in that hardship. thanks for a good thought.
Self confidence always crumbles, but placing our confidence in God never fails. Great thoughts today, Bill, as always.
Blessings!
Well said Martha. and thanks for the compliment.
Oh yeah… the actions scream the loudest… the talk is cheap…
For sure. I need them actions to speak louder than my words.