(An imaginary conversation between God and me.)
ME:
You know me, Lord. If I’m not careful my mind can slide into fear and worry, especially about the needs and struggles of loved ones. Or I can slip backward into hurts or regrets of the past. Release from such thoughts is not always easy.
But I’ve heard it said, “What is IM-possible is HIM-possible” (Unknown).
So when negativity seeks to pull me down, I want to be quick to remember who YOU are, your promises, and what you can do that make all things HIM-possible.
GOD:
Indeed, nothing is IM-possible with me (Luke 1:37).
Here are four important truths to keep in mind that make for HIM-possible-living:
I am greater than your fears.
Think on My sovereignty and might.
I am in control of all things. I have established My throne in heaven and My kingdom rules over all. Therefore, the one who fears Me need not fear anything else [1].
I am all-wise and all-powerful, always with you and ready to offer counsel.
I am your all-sufficient Father, able to provide everything and anything you’ll ever need.
ME:
I praise You, Lord, for equipping me to contend with whatever circumstances unfold. You are the Mighty Warrior who saves!
(Psalm 103:19; 1 John 4:18a; Romans 11:33; Psalm 15:3, 46:1; Ephesians 3:20; Zephaniah 3:17)
GOD:
I am greater than your troubles.
Remember My power and strength.
Out of My omnipotence, I promise to supply you with strength sufficient for the day. Each morning I provide a fresh supply of all my mercies.
No matter what the future may hold, you can keep on bearing all things through My Son, Jesus Christ, who constantly infuses you with His strength.
Every trouble produces benefit–strong, honorable character in you, and blessing for others as they see My peace and joy reflected in you.
ME:
I praise you, Lord, for being a present-and-active help in times of trouble.
(2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 18:32; Lamentations 3:22-23; Philippians 4:13;
Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4; Matthew 5:16; Psalm 46:1)
GOD:
I am greater than your hurts.
Remember my love and tenderness, my grace and kindness.
I provide a solid foundation on which to rest, even when wave after wave of challenge sweeps through your life [2].
I am your Great Physician. Cling to Me by immersing yourself in My Word and find the cure for your heartache.
I am patiently transfiguring all the notes of your life into the song of My Son, Jesus . . . All is grace, as your hurts and heartaches become tools in My hands, to transform you into the image of Christ [3].
ME:
I praise you, Lord, for your devoted, attentive care.
(Isaiah 66:13a; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 147:3; Psalm 119:49-50; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
GOD:
I am greater than your regrets.
Remember my compassion and forgiveness.
Dwell on regrets and you’ll stir up a whirlpool of excruciating details. It’s an easy place to drown [4].
Leave the irreparable past in My hands, and step into the irresistible future with Me [5]. You’ll find joy replacing remorse and peace replacing agitation.
When thoughts of your failures do push their way into your consciousness, allow my total forgiveness to relieve your pangs of guilt. Then offer Me praise for accepting you just as you are, thanking Me for growing you into more than you were yesterday [6].
ME:
I praise you, Lord, for your mercy to forgive and your grace that meets me where I am but does not leave me where it found me [7].
I praise you that victory over fears, troubles, hurts, and regrets is more than HIM-possible with you!
(Psalm 103:8, 13; Romans 8:37)
[1] The fear of God in the original language doesn’t mean to be afraid. It means sustaining a joyful, astonished, awe and wonder before Him—Timothy Keller.
[2] Jane Fryar, Be Blessed, 34-35.
[3] Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, 100; Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, 180.
[4] Based on a David Powlison quote, https://www.sgclouisville.org/blog/2024/01/16/sermon-quotes-what-do-we-do-with-regret.
[5] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Dec. 31.
[6] Ruth Bell Graham, Blessings for a Mother’s Day, 101.
[7] Anne Lamott, GRACE Eventually.
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From the Inside Out 