Accountability or Confession
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
Group therapy, having an accountable partner, and confessing are all healthy ways to release our deep, dark secrets and bring them into the light. The goal here is to expose these secrets so they lose their power over us. Whether it’s through group therapy, having an accountability partner, or seeking guidance from a trusted person like a priest, these individuals are there to support us and help us become better. However, not everyone has access to a priest or a trustworthy person nearby whom they can seek guidance from. I just want to emphasize the difference between a priest and other options. A priest’s role is to say these words to us: “And I, an unworthy priest, by his power given to me, forgive and absolve you from all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Deep down, we know God forgives us, but the magic of hearing those words of forgiveness can mend a truly broken soul. It doesn’t have to be a priest who is physically close to us or who knows us personally, but it requires consistency with one priest and not jumping around. Just like when we’re sick and relapse, we don’t go to different doctors each time, but the same doctor who knows our medical history. It’s not that the priest is teasing us with our history, but rather it benefits us in two ways.
First, it makes us hesitant to go to the same priest again and confess the same sin, even though priests hear repeated confessions all the time. It’s us who might feel embarrassed to confess the same act again, so this can actually give us a reason to avoid relapsing.
Second, when we go to the same priest who knows about our struggles, they can offer advice tailored to us. This differs from advice coming from someone we just met for the first time.
Again, it’s important to think about all of this as being for our benefit. If there is no priest around whom we feel comfortable with, then we should search for one. And if we can’t find one, group therapy or having an accountability partner can also be helpful. Ultimately, all of these approaches serve one purpose: to bring our dark secrets out into the open so that we can live a healthy life.
Depression or Exhaustion.
Sometimes, you let your guard down and slip; you relapse a little. But for Satin, he keeps pushing to guarantee his victory. He wants to break you completely, so he constantly convinces you that you’re not worthy and destined to remain like this forever.
Day after day, you become depressed with your current situation. But my dear, you do not have depression. No medication can help you. Open your eyes and see that you’re exhausted under a heavy burden, being pushed by a heartless master.
This is how Satan works. The only reason he pushes you into this state is to prevent you from looking up. Your help is just a glance away. If you manage to ask, God will come quickly and assist you. I know this because I have experienced it in my life for years and years. Depression, medication, tears, and giving up – sometimes we feal we don’t want to live. Everyone feels the same pain, so don’t feel alone in this. That’s why we discussed the importance of revealing your darkest secrets. You truly need a mentor in these areas who can help you mentally and bring you back to life again.
God or Father
A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts (Malachi 1:6)
I understand that there are many people across the globe who have not had the opportunity to experience the presence of a caring father who could show the true essence of fatherhood. I’m trying to use words to create an image of Jesus the Father, so they can relate when they say “our father who art in heaven”.
What is your perception of God? Do you consider Him a father figure? Do you give Him the respect He deserves? Are you constantly worried about disappointing Him with your actions? Have you ever betrayed His love for you by misusing His blessings?
If you see God as a master, do you obey his commandments and respect his rules? Are you fearful of his punishment and do your utmost to avoid angering him?
What is your perception of him?
He referred to you as his child, and asked you to call him “our father” every time you pray, a universal phrase uttered across the globe. However, does it still possess its power? Remember, when you say “Our Father who is in heaven,” consider whether you perceive Him as a father or as a master. Whatever decision you make, you must act accordingly. If he is a father to you, then show him the respect and love. If he is your master, then show accountability and fear towards him. In both cases, he has already treated you as his child and will continue to care for you.
Weed & Wheat
but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way ( Matthew 13:25)
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:30)
Sometimes, you may try to start a new life, but old habits, friends, and influences can still hinder your progress. It’s not easy to escape from them. In such situations, it’s important to focus on nurturing your inner soul. Feed it with prayers and godly words. Don’t get caught up in the task of trying to rid your life of all the negative influences. Eventually, God will take care of that once He sees you prospering with Him. It’s not your job; it’s His.
Jesus Himself lived in a society corrupted by different thoughts. There were the Pharisees, who strictly observed religious ceremonies and practices, and the Sadducees, who rejected the traditions of the Pharisees and adhered only to the written law. However, Jesus didn’t spend His time fighting them or proving them wrong. Instead, He focused on bringing light to everyone.
When you exhaust all your energy trying to fix people or the surrounding circumstances, you will become tired, troubled, and your peace will be disturbed. Satan thrives on that and will add to it, keeping you constantly busy without taking care of yourself first.
Heaven or Earth.
One might argue that God should stay in heaven and leave the earth to us. I’ve been puzzling over this idea. If God were to actually do that, our planet would be a miserable place. From a human perspective, we crave control. Without it, there would be chaos. The strong would oppress the weak, and we would live by the law of the jungle. Thankfully, there is law and order that we all adhere to, which prevent individuals or corporations from overpowering others. Now, let’s imagine on a grand scale that God decides to remain in heaven. Consider all the natural forces like wind, sea, earth, and volcanic power becoming unruly and uncontrolled. In the Bible, it is said that God placed a boundary on the water that it will never cross.
Do you not fear Me? says the Lord.
Will you not tremble at My presence,
Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea,
By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it?
And though its waves toss to and fro,
Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass. (Jeremiah 5:22)
Just think about the power that holds everything in place, something we often overlook in our daily lives. We have all heard about the perils of global warming, the melting snow, and the potential rise in water levels that could submerge major cities. We have also witnessed earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods, which serve as warnings. Imagine living in constant fear, where the planet has no control, and at any moment, a sinkhole could swallow your home or an earthquake could cause buildings to crumble before your eyes. Do we truly desire for God to stay in heaven and mind His own business, rather than taking care of us the way He does now?
