Don't Stay Down, Praise.

I've noticed that when I haven't used something in my purse for a while it ends up sinking to the bottom. This is a result of pulling everything out at different times and placing them back in, in no particular order.

This time, it was my Bible that got pushed to the bottom.

When I realized this I became ashamed. This meant that I haven't been paying attention to God's Word on my own time. This couldn't be! But nonetheless, it was.

This represents where I had pushed Jesus in my life. I had pushed Him underneath the junk, underneath the problems that at the time seemed so imminent.

The good thing is that I realized this before it was too late. God showed this to me so I can fix it. So I can do better.

Don't think because you mess up God can't forgive you. As I was praying about it I could hear that little voice whisper in my ear, "You messed up AGAIN. You told God you wouldn't. You lied. He won't forgive you this time. You've done it too many times." And for a second I almost believed that.

Then I remembered that no matter how unworthy I am, God is still worthy to be praised. So I began to praise the God who had brought me out time and time again because I also remembered that praise will pull you out of that rut you fell into. It will lift you out of your dilemma and focus you on the one who holds the world in His hands, the God who can fix your brokenness and cleanse you from your sins.

And once you have focused on Him He can finally work in your life because you have given your problems, issues, and sins to Him. Now He can fix it and work it out to His glory.

There is never a time where He can't fix it when you finally decide to give it to Him. And that's what I did. Now, I can praise Him for working in my life even though I can't see it yet.

It's amazing what can happen when you keep God number one in your life.