My sister Marilyn started a book club for Inner Healing and Spiritual Growth. God really blessed me during the months of participation with the other women. I read the book my sister provided and earnestly prayed to know God better. We were learning to rest in God and to walk with Jesus. After we had finished the book, Marilyn used the Bible to focus on a different Name, Title or Attribute of God each week in an effort to continue our Inner Healing and Spiritual Growth.
Deeper Understanding is Possible
God blessed me beyond my expectations and I was surprised by many things God taught me and is still teaching me. I was happily surprised that even the things I did know could be taken to a richer and even deeper understanding. God honors our desire to know Him better. I was seeking to know God better and I was rewarded for my effort.
Inner Healing is Possible
There were three main areas of healing that surprised me the most: a more honest personal relationship with God, dealing with a variety of controlling feelings, and healing old memories that caused me to be bitter. There was a temptation to quit or not give God my best effort. I learned I had to resist any resistance to God.
God Sanctifies Whatever is His
The sanctification process is like a refining process. As we spend time with God we begin to become more like Him. Those that know the Potter Story in Jeremiah 18 and have heard a Sermon based on the Potter’s process understand how the sanctification process is similar. You understand that there are times when we might feel like we are in the refining fire and want to give up. The sanctification process continues throughout our lives until God can see His reflection in us. Even then, there are times due to our human nature that touch ups, and a deeper refining is needed.
God Given Emotions
An interesting thing I learned during this last year is that my emotions are a blessing when I allow God to help me make sense of what I am feeling. It is not easy going through the sanctification process. Sometimes I would be reluctant to participate or I tried to suppress my feelings. Yet, it has always been a blessing and a learning experience because God would encourage me to not give up.
Balanced Life Through God
I was especially surprised that even though my emotions were valid, sometimes they were out of balance and did not line up with my thoughts and beliefs. God is still working to help me balance my emotions and psyche. He helps me see that when I am out of balance, I can come to my Heavenly Father and pray about what I know and believe. These prayers about my emotions and thoughts help my relationship with God grow healthier.
Our Emotions Can Overpower
In the past I did not even notice my emotions and psyche were out of balance. I am encouraged knowing God sees my problem. When God shows me something is wrong, I am encouraged because I know He wants to move and do something about that situation. God never condemns or points out a problem and turns His back on us. Unfortunately, we sometimes turn our back on God.
Remember Who Loves Me
God has a plan, and it is good. (Jeremiah 29:11-15) reminds me that God has a good plan for me, and I can count on God to bless me. God is patient with me because of His love for me. It is important to know and remember that my Heavenly Father and Jesus love me best. We need to learn to look at our circumstances through the eyes of faith in God.
Scriptures Help Me Know and Remember
When we read Scriptures there will be some special Scriptures that seem to touch our hearts or minds. Those are the Scriptures I need to write down and claim. Some I will want to write on my heart and mind by memorizing them. God never rests and (Psalm 121:3-8) encourages me. I like to know He works on my behalf even while I sleep. I know God never grows tired or weary helping us because God gave me (Isaiah 40:7-11) and I am especially comforted that He gently cares for us like a shepherd.
Index Cards
Isaiah lets me know God is committed and determined. God doesn’t want to rest and will be there for His people. I know that God gave me (Isaiah 62:7) so I will remember that truth. Sometimes I use Index Cards to write down a Scripture that I know God gave me and I file them in a box by categories. They are there for me to use for myself and to share with loved ones. I know I have claimed these Scriptures that God has given me. These are the Scriptures that I use in my prayers.
God Created a Time for Us
The one time God did rest was after creation and He established a Sabbath Day of rest for our benefit in (Gen 2:2-3). Jesus even explained God made the Sabbath for man in (Mark 2:27). God wants to make sure we have a day where we can rest in Him spiritually and physically because, we need a day of rest.
Resting in God is For Our Benefit
King David loved God and the things that God cherished. God loved and still loves the Nation He named and created for His purpose. People can rest in God as individuals and as a Nation. (Psalm 62:1) and (Psalm 132:14) are only two Scriptures given to remind us to rest in God. He also rests with us. Resting in God is for regaining our spiritual and physical strength (Hebrews 4:9-11). God even gives us rest from heavy burdens by having us walk with Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).
Israel
God loves us as individuals (John 3:16) and He loves those Nations that follow Him. He created the Nation Israel and established it for His purpose. Israel was also created because of God’s promise to Abraham. God will not rest until He has completed His promises towards Israel. In (Isaiah 62:6-7) God calls us all to keep Him busy with our prayers for His Nation. (Psalm 122) reminds us that Israel is a place of prayer for God.
USA and Other Nations
God also called many of His people to come and worship Him in truth and Spirit which even lead them to search for their Freedom and Independence. The USA is a country founded on the search for individual rights and a need to worship God honestly. Just as God calls all of His people to pray for Israel, we are also called to pray for Nations like the USA. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) calls us to pray for our leaders and those in authority. (Psalm 22:27-28) and (Psalm 86:9) reminds us that the Nations that have turned towards God belong to Him and will worship Him.
Prayer for Individual and National Revival
Lord God Almighty, please sanctify Your Nations, their Leaders and the children of God living in this world through Your Messiah, Christ Jesus. Write Your living Word upon our hearts and minds that we will walk with You in love, truth and Spirit. Please send a Revival of Your Love into this world. Lord, open our eyes to see things from Your perspective as we rest in You as individuals and as a Nation. Jesus, please enter into our psyche and our very personality where our thoughts, feelings and behaviors throw our lives out of balance and please heal us. We are Your children, and we need to be with You in all areas of our lives. Thank You for Your mercy and grace as You bring us into a healthy relationship with You. I know You have our best interest at heart and will bless us. Be glorified for Your faithfulness and goodness. In Your holy name I pray Jesus. Amen