Day 19

Today was a rough day. I woke up tired. Got to work late. And the day just never got much better. Working at a church this time of year is hard... especially if your top spiritual gift is compassion/mercy. I had multiple hard phone calls and made some hard mistakes. To sum it up - it was a really yucky Monday!

On the drive home many things ran through my mind. Satan loves these days. He sees my weakness and knows exactly what to throw at me... to make me stumble. Many old habits came to mind as ways to cope with the stress of the day. As I drive and my Christian mix CD is playing I find my hand reaching for secular hardcore screamer music... I just need some loud intense music... that will help, I know it will...

I think that and something happens. I recognize it as a lie. So I turn up the volume and sing praises to Jesus. The stress and sadness of the day did not go away but I could feel my soul being lifted up. I think about other things that could mask the struggles from the day and recognize them as lies also.

So how did I cope with the day? I go to my room, turn on some loud Christian screamer music and make more Christmas gifts. By the time I went to bed my attitude changed and I fell asleep thankful that Jesus was with me today.

I am thankful that even in the bad days I can run to Jesus and He will help.

I am thankful for the scripture that says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a great high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:13-16

I am thankful that Jesus sees - He saw my bad day. He saw my sadness. He saw my frustration. He saw how my heart hurt. He saw my struggle to turn to Him instead of other things. He saw it all and loves me!

What are you thankful for?
~Nicole