The reason we often feel this tension is really all about us. There’s something inside of us that’s insecure or jealous. We have an issue and we’re robbed of the joy that others could bring us. What does it look like for us to truly celebrate others? It looks like us getting past our own issues.

Their win doesn’t mean you’ll take a loss. We need to learn to take joy in the success of others.

Do you need comfort? He’s got it

Do you need love? He is it

Do you need patience? He’s got it

Do you need peace? He’ll bring it

Do you need joy? He’ll supply it

Do you need understanding? He’ll give it

Do you need wisdom? He’ll deliver it

Do you need grace? He’ll give it

Do you need freedom? He’ll give it

Do you need salvation? He is it

Do you need direction? He’ll show it

Do you need provision? He’ll provide it

Do you need relationship? He’s there

What do you need?

Whatever you need, he is.

Whatever you lack, he’s got.

Whatever you’ve lost, he’ll restore.

Whatever you’re missing, he’s enough.

Whatever you’re searching for, he’s it

What do you need?

John 1:12-13 (NIV) Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

We’re adults. We’re supposed to act like one, right? We’re supposed to have the answers. We’re supposed to have things figured out.

We’re adults. We shouldn’t be fearful. We shouldn’t admit we don’t have it figured out. We shouldn’t be vulnerable.

Somewhere along the line, many of us buy those lies. It’s almost like we reach this point where we have to have all of the answers all of the time. Times when chaos ensues, grief strikes, or financial hardship comes, we find it hard to juggle the lie of “I have to have it under control,” and how we really feel.

Let me remove some of the weight of those lies…

According to John 1:12-13 (and other verses in scripture), you and I never get to a place where we are no longer a child. We never mature to this point of being an “Adult of God.” What does that mean? That means we never have to have it all figured out. We can come to God as his child… vulnerable, humble, without answers.

I want to feel like a child again. Not that I’m immature. Not that I make childish mistakes. I want to feel like a child again… dependent on my Heavenly Father. Hanging on his word, seeking advice, and walking with him step by step.

I want to be a child. Full of wonder, questions, and dependence.

I believe that everyone on planet earth as intricate value. We are created by God and loved dearly by him.

I believe in the power of grace. I believe God gives people 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 600th chances.

I believe God works in the lives of his people. He is intimately involved in the lives of his people. He does big things and little things in powerful ways. All because he loves his children.

I believe God is patient. That he works in and through people to accomplish a grand plan for the world.

The problem?

I struggle to believe this for myself. Often times, I find myself struggling to believe I deserve what I believe everyone else receives. For some reason, there is a gap between what I believe for others and what I often believe for myself.

The truth?

I’m not the only one. I talk to people almost daily who struggle with this as well. They know their past. They know their thoughts. They know what they think they deserve.

What’s the point of this?

A reminder that all of God’s promises are for YOU too!