8/22/24 Lit Word “Fast or Slow Learner”

Date: 8/22/24
Today's Reading:
OT: Job 8:1 - 11:20
NT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalms: 38
Proverbs: 21:28-29

Neal’s Lit Word

Title: “Fast or Slow Learner”

Scripture:

3 Because of your anger, I am in great pain; my whole body is diseased because of my sins. 4 I am drowning in the flood of my sins; they are a burden too heavy to bear. 8 I am worn out and utterly crushed, my heart is troubled, and I groan with pain. 17 I am about to fall and am in constant pain. 18 I confess my sins; they fill me with anxiety.

Observation: What is God saying to me?

Sin has many painful consequences. Physical, mental and spiritual suffering are the result of sin. These miserable consequences point out your need for salvation from a Savior. You cannot save yourself from sin. Sin and suffering have the ability to point you toward the Savior and salvation. This consequence of misery can be a great guide that leads to the end of your sinful suffering. How?

When sinful suffering shows up in your life it can teach you to turn your trust to Me (the Lord.) Take these miserable ques and cast yourself on Me, your salvation. When anxiety, physical struggle and an overwhelming feeling of being crushed finds its way into your life don’t try to work or “muscle” 💪 your way out of it. Instead, turn to Me, your savior from sin.
Absence of the presence of God is the breeding ground for sin.
Suffering and misery are the consequence of sin.
This is a blessing from God because it points out our need to get close to Jesus, the Savior from miserable sin.

Application: What will I do about it?

Just like a street sign that shows the way to go, pay attention to the signs of misery, anxiety and physical suffering. If these symptoms appear the first thing to check is your pursuit of the Savior. If you seek Him, you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart. In the pursuit of Jesus you will find His salvation from sin and its miserable consequences.

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive us for being slow learners when it comes to sin. Forgive us for allowing comfort and the pursuit of pleasure to lead us away from Your presence. In Your presence is fullness of joy. We want this journey through life to be filled with joy, not misery. Point out when we get off track and help us to be fast learners when it comes to misery and joy. Amen!

I Am Grateful For… misery that points out my pursuit problems.

Tracker Questions

Where in your life are you seeing misery, anxiety and consequences from sin?

Are you willing to pursue Jesus for the remedy rather than trying to fix and comfort yourself in your suffering?