From the journal . . . . November 2000

I assume we all have times when we feel we can’t do anything right and everything about us is wrong. That’s where I was at in this journal entry.  I would say I was spinning out on the negative. I wrote seven sentences about my failings, plus one confessing selfishness, and another apologizing to the Lord. I’ll give you just what I believe are God’s words!

And I Believe God Said:

You are fretting about yourself.  You are thinking about what you think is wrong with you and how you can change.   

Psalm 37:1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. NIV

You’ve repeatedly asked Me to make you more like Me. Be grateful for what you see.  Be grateful for the things around you.  Be grateful for what you can do. 

2 Cor 3:¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. NIV
Col 3:17. Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.NASB
1Thess. 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. NASB

Love those around you and don’t fear.  Don’t worry about what they think of you.  Point to Me. 

Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. NLT
1 Thess 2:4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. NLT
Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. NASB

You are looking inside yourself too much.  Look around you for what is good.

 
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. NASB

I think He was saying to get my eyes off myself, look for the good things, trust Him with the problems, love people, and don’t overthink.  Don’t fret!!  So simple but, my goodness, it takes such focus and discipline!