I remember struggling when we lived in North Carolina and Michael was in seminary. We were away from family. Struggling with infertility. Struggling financially. And I recall times that I allowed myself to dwell on those circumstances.
Not too long ago, someone said some hurtful things about me. Their words cut deep and caused me to start identifying myself as those hurtful words instead of as a child of God. I found myself dwelling on those words and the hurt they caused.
Occasionally, I have one of those mommy and wife fail days. I find myself losing my patience easily. Becoming frustrated easily. Taking out those frustrations on my boys. And even taking them out on Michael. I find myself starting to dwell on all of my short comings as a mother and wife and feeling very unworthy.
God's word tells us to dwell. But not on our failures. Not on the hurt and pain caused by others. Not on past mistakes. We are not to dwell on the past, on our failures, or on our shortcomings. We are not to allow our circumstances to take our eyes off of Christ.
The word DWELL means to remain, abide, or to keep the attention directed.
God's word says to remain and abide in what then?
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
We are to abide IN Christ. We are to keep our focus on Him. If we are cut off from the vine then no fruit can be produced. In order to bear fruit, we must remain in Christ. Not allow our circumstances and distractions take our eyes off of Christ.
I want to dwell in Christ. Not my circumstances. I want to remain focused on Him. Not on my shortcomings. I want to keep my attention directed at Him even in times of frustration, failure, hurt, suffering, and any other circumstance that comes my way. And He desires for us to do that too.
Maybe you can relate, maybe you find yourself dwelling on your insecurities, your shortcomings, your mommy failures, your finances, and more. My prayer for you and me both is that we can recognize when we start down that path and take those thoughts captive and turn straight to Him. Abide in Him!
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