Midpoint Integration: What Have You Been Noticing? Scripture (ESV) “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” — Psalm 139:23 We’re halfway through this part of our journey, and I think it’s worth considering what we’ve been learning about ourselves. We’ve spent quite a bit of time examining how…
When Something From Years Ago Still Bothers You Scripture (ESV) “See to it… that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble…” — Hebrews 12:15 It’s interesting how something that happened years ago can still affect us today. You may not think about it often, but then something reminds you of the situation and…
When God Doesn’t Move as Quickly as We’d Like Scripture (ESV) “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” — Romans 8:25 I’ve prayed about things that seemed like they should’ve been resolved much sooner. From where I was standing, I couldn’t understand why the situation continued…
When Being Tired Becomes Normal Category: Theology Scripture (ESV) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 We talked about exhaustion earlier in this journey when we were learning to accept our limits. I want to return to it because there’s something that happens when…
Your Own Verdict Is Not Final Scripture (ESV) “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” — 1 John 3:20 There are people who excuse themselves too easily. There are also people who do the opposite. They keep reopening the case against themselves long after they have…
Shame Tries to Rename You Scripture (ESV) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 Shame does more than tell you something went wrong. It tells you that what went wrong is now the truest thing about you. That is why shame sticks. You stop saying, “I…
Ambition Needs to Answer to God Scripture (ESV) “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 I don’t think ambition is automatically bad. Wanting to build something can be good. Wanting your work to matter can be good. The problem starts when the thing…
Pride Wants a Better Seat Scripture (ESV)“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11 We first looked at pride as the refusal to need God. This version is different. This is pride that wants position. You can feel it when doing good work stops…
Anxiety Shows You Where Trust Gets Thin Scripture (ESV)“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” — Psalm 56:3 We already looked at anxiety as the weight of trying to live tomorrow before it gets here. There’s another layer worth dealing with now. Anxiety often shows us exactly where trust becomes difficult. David…
You Don’t Need the Whole Map Scripture (ESV)“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33 There have been plenty of moments when I wanted God to make the whole thing clear before I moved. I wanted to know how the decision would work out and what would happen…
