Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5 KJV

I love hymns. They often offer very stark and raw truths that pierce my soul and bring me to a place of humbleness. A few of my favorites are:

"Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?" - At the Cross

"Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." - Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

"For nothing good have I, where by thy grace to claim." - Jesus Paid It All

These verses strike me at my core, because I"m reminded that a lot of the trouble I face is brought on by my choices.

Joseph's brothers had done an awful deed. Ridding themselves of him and then convincing their father Joseph had died…all to find out many years later that their fate would rest in Joseph's hands. When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they had a choice. They could leave in shame and anger, or forgive themselves and accept Joseph's forgiveness. When brought to ultimate humbleness by their own actions and decisions, they chose to take Joseph's advice and forgive themselves as he had forgiven them. And, let's not forget, God is sovereign and was ultimately fulfilling His plan all along. 

We too have a choice when we find ourselves in a place of despair by our own will. We can choose to acknowledge, repent and forgive ourselves in order to move into God's will. One Bible commentator said it this way, "Even when we foolishly and willfully choose a position for ourselves, He [God] most graciously overrules our folly, and causes the influences of our self-chosen circumstances to work for our spiritual benefit."

"Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above."

-Lori C. 

 

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