Hate it, Starve it, Outsmart it!

Over the past couple of days, it's been a struggle to fight. Last week, Clayton King talked about the three things we need to do in order to overcome temptations - "Hate it, Starve it, Outsmart it!" And I've realized that it is not easy nor fun. Learning to hate what you're used to is not an easy task. And then you have to starve it. Possibly the "easier" step, but all of these steps are still very difficult. This step is just to say "no." Don't surround yourself with it, don't think about it. Don't do it. Simple directions, difficult response. But if it were only as easy to just say no. It can only get you so far. This summer I read "Pleasures Evermore: The Life Changing Power of Enjoying God" by Sam Storms, and within the first couple of chapters he talked about how saying "no" will only get you so far. It's only the short-term solution to the problem. The long-term solution is to find pleasure and satisfaction in our Lord and Savior. And not just in his name, but our relationship with him. We can admire him and look at him as a symbol or figure, or we can look at him as God and Savior who wants a personal, daily relationship with us. This relationship is where we find our eternal pleasures, our everlasting peace and joy. So while saying "no" helps for a short term, it's easy to fall back into sin once that effect wears off. I encourage you to read the book and to fall in love with God.

Church today was exactly what I needed to hear, especially the praise and worship. The last song we sang hit the bulls-eye on my heart. While I love when these moments happen, I hate realizing that I have grown away from God in that particular area. Obviously, I wish I was were perfect, but I hate disappointing people. Today's song was "Search Me, Know Me" and it really hit home for me... I leave you with the words from the song as a prayer for you...

Search Me, Know Me - Kathryn Scott

"Search me, know me, try me and see
Every worthless affection hidden in me
All I'm asking for, is that you cleanse me Lord,
Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secrets shame
Come wash away the guilty shame all of my sin
Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before you now I humbly bring"


- G