Erase the Label

Did you ever experience one of those days when your feet should never have hit the floor?  You know, those days when you fall on the list of bad parent, disappointing spouse, ineffective employee or negligent friend.  The day drags on and weighs heavily on our shoulders.  Failure, defeat and gloom cloud your thoughts.  You could be totally fine erasing the day from the calendar. 

We all have them.  None of us will reach perfection, so these days are guaranteed to occur.  Our reaction makes all the difference.  Becoming a Christian does not place you in a bubble of protection from trials of this world.  Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior over your life does not clothe you in perfection.  It does even better.  Jesus offers everlasting peace, strength, courage and wisdom to face any trial.  His grace covers you.  Leaning on Him at all times guarantees victory.  He will bring beauty from days full of trouble and error.  This world may label you negatively based on a few bad moments or mistakes; but, God erases and works all things out for His good.  Without Him active in your life, those bad moments sink into your soul and bind your thoughts.  You feel defined by your mistakes. 

Take heart, God brings new life!  Give up the old you, restore the current you and come alive through Him.  Accept Him and see through His eyes the beauty created within you.  You are being renewed each and every day.  Some days bring more restoration than others.  Embrace each one the same, standing firm on His Truth.  Trust and believe in Him to provide strength always.

So, the next time your feet touch the floor, remind yourself that God is with you wherever you go and whatever the day brings, He will help.  Pray this Scripture. . .

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:10-12)

Bad moments do not define you or place a negative label on your name.  You may fail to sign a child's field trip permission slip, send them to school in mismatched socks (which is actually the cool thing currently) or pack an unhealthy lunch; but, you are not a bad parent.  You may forget an anniversary, not make the bed or burn supper; but, you are not a disappointing spouse.  You may arrive a few minutes late to work or forget to complete a required class; but, you are not an ineffective employee.  You may cut a friend short in conversation, stand them up or fail to inquire about a tough situation; but, you are not a negligent friend.

We must reach for God.  Take time away from the chaos of our day, allow Him to pick us back up and begin to shine again.  Keep no track of mistakes.  Give them to God and allow Him to teach you and then erase them.  He keeps no record, neither should you.  Hang in there, each morning is a new day and His mercies shine brightly every day!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for helping me learn from my mistakes and rid myself of the defining labels of failure.  Keep my heart pure, renew me each day and send Your Holy Spirit to guide and direct my path.  Thank You for new mercies every morning.  Pick me up should I fall.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig