Day Four
Inherently Good And True
Proverbs 31:12...She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her...
The qualities - good and true, are characteristics that come from having an open heart. Many times, though, we do not understand this area - 'good'. More often than not, we judge ourselves constantly, based on our responses to challenges that come our way. If we are facing problems and react out of our emotions and flesh, or walk around in an attitude, the last thing we think of ourselves as being is 'good'. Usually, we end up going to the extreme, feeling unworthy and beaten down. The enemy of our souls then comes along, whispering accusations in our ears and the battle of the mind and thoughts begin. When this happens, it can become a cycle of self-judging and failure, and we cannot see how God can ever use us.
There are two strong examples in the bible about hearts that I love. One is found in the Gospel of John 1:47, which says...Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said concerning him, See! Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob] in whom there is no guile nor deceit nor falsehood nor duplicity! Interestingly enough, Jesus said this after Nathanael made the comment, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"
The other illustration is that of David. Many know the story of David and Bathsheba, or see the heart of David as a worshipper, or the Psalmist. But the bible also reveals another aspect of David's heart, that of humbleness and repentance. What openness we find through the Psalms as David repents of his sins before God. He makes the statement in Psalms 32:5...I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told] - then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah!
In one instance, we see a man speaking out of his flesh and in the other, we see a man who committed adultery and arranged for a murder. Yet, God uses these two men as examples to show what was in their hearts. They were open before Him, repentant and humble; not filled with games or lies and secrets. Their hearts are revealed for us to see.
There is a scripture that moves me so deeply. It is found in Jeremiah 18:1-6...
The Word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.
Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was working at the wheel.
And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter, so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.
Then the Word of the Lord came to me:
O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? Says the Lord, Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!
You know, we cannot be good in ourselves, nor through good deeds, works and efforts. And sometimes, while we try to be good, it seems like we fall down every day. But like the clay which was spoiled, it was taken and crafted by the potter's hand into a new vessel. And it was good! Good is a reflection of the Spirit of God through us; it is His qualities in our lives. We must see that in this life, we may fail at something or even sin. But a repentant, willing and open heart before God will allow the Potter to rework us, and we will reflect the Son.
Father, do You see...
I feel beaten down
my insides feel raw and exposed
is there any part that has not been
opened up and searched by
the One Who sees...(whirl - spin).
Father, do You see...
this isolation
do You understand the loneliness
am I in this alone
I open my eyes and no one is there
I don't seem to connect with anyone
it is just me and You...(whirl - spin).
Father, do You see...
I can stand no more pressure
it comes against me and makes me cry
who am I now
how can I stand this constant change
from what I knew...(whirl - spin).
Father, do you see...
do You understand
it's hard to let go
it's hard to break those things
I held dear and familiar...(whirl - spin).
Father, do You see...
A new vessel
one that has been tried by fire
one changed and remade
the cracks are gone
the flaws are gone
made new in the image
of Your Son...(whirl - spin). Jeremiah 18:1-6
Patti Campbell-Jensvold 2oo1
Psalms 51:10...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me.
A hearts' cry...Father, I submit and open my heart to Your Spirit, willingly. Rework and mold me by Your hand, as seems good...