Spiritual Discipline

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. 

Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace 

for those who have been trained by it." 

--Hebrews 12:11--

Hard to believe it's been over a year since I had any contributions to make to this blog. And so much has happened since then! There have been some tough lessons learned, strife and testing. All the while, there was a lot of painful experiences to travel through. This Word now touches my heart to the core, because I have chafed under His discipline over this year. Now, looking back, I'm thankful for the watchfulness of His love, the eternity of His mercy, and the abundance of His blessings in my life and spirit.

The journey of discovery is far from complete, but I have a peace about traveling this road today which I'm sure comes from His Spirit. Learning every day to let go of myself, my struggle and strife and give it up to His control is the key. I'm not completely there yet in developing this habit, I am getting better at it. Creating in me a discipline of total surrender to Him is a slow and steady climb. 

There's a reward at the end of the effort, though! It's the rest in His tender arms and knowing that His strength keeps me going. There has also been the discovery of daily miracles of providence; proof of my Jehovah Jireh, "My Provider" tending to all of our needs! This helps us arrive at a place of constant praise for all He has done and continues to do in our lives!

Even though my journey over these past months required me to let go of dreams and expectations, I am learning to accept that He has bigger things in store for me than I could ever dream or hope. There is nothing easy about losing relationships, either through divorce or death. There can be comfort in the loss when we choose to believe that He will make right what has been wrong. 

Another promise His Word speaks of:

"All things work together for good 

for those that love the Lord

and are called according to His righteousness"

These are the words to help soothe our hearts and minds when strife meets our path. These words and the evidence of His hand in our lives, even in the worst of times, will light our way to bring us home to rest in Him and His peace. Praise Him!