O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”Psalm 16:2
I’ve never woke up in the morning and said to myself, “I think I’ll do something stupid today and destroy my life”. Bad decisions and sinful behavior are usually a result of the sum of many things or a series of events that lead us to frustration and a momentary lack of reason.
When these red flags begin to show themselves, it is time for action’ This is best played out by doing less, not more. It is usually in these times that temptation is an option to satisfy an uneasy feeling. When we search for relief of pain due to frustration; the flesh cries out for comfort that tends to be sinful or selfish. It is not sin to be tempted, but temptation, when played out becomes sinful.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This verse is a battle cry when we feel the need to give in to the temptation.
So, what is your way of escape? There may be different ways depending on the moment, but to do less is better than to do more. When trying times come and the notion of more seems right, I believe less is more. The flesh wants control, so depriving the flesh is always the answer. Fasting and praying is what can be the way of escape for a restless soul. It is when we are lacking inner peace and joy that the deeds of the flesh will manifest themselves as a remedy and lead us into temptation.
When we become discouraged and the frustrations of life are overwhelming Psalm 16 is a good place to “Retreat” to. Its focus is on, “The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah’s Victory” can be the antidote or the way of escape. David ends this Psalm with a good reminder.
“You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
So, if the red flags are waving, “Retreat” into the promises of God and be renewed in His Spirit, Amen!
Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org
Written By Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org