Perspective

Day 22

Issue
a point in question or a matter that is in dispute

Problem
any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty

I am a visual learner. I really needed to see the definitions of the key words from today’s devotion: issue and problem. Did you notice that issue does not involve doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty. Interesting. Too often I invite the emotions of doubt, uncertainty, and difficulty into an issue and cause a problem.

These emotions don’t come alone. The enter with the another guest named the past. We forget to “forget the former things” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Then when a point of question or matter arises we allow the former things, which should have been forgiven and forgotten, to cloud our clear discernment and understanding. (Proverbs 2:11)

Truly forgetting and forgiving the past, really letting it go, gives the Holy Spirit freedom to reign in our lives, in all things, at all times, during every issue and every problem. The Spirit will be a guard on our tongue, keeping us from reacting and supplying all we need to respond. The Holy Spirit will change our perspective and lead us to the correct response.

I wonder how many “problems” I have faced that were actually issues until I ushered in the past with all its emotional baggage.

3 Comments

  1. That’s a good one… I have been known to recite someone’s life history (of hurts and insults to me) The good the bad and the ugly of a good memory. So a point to work on will be to sort out and get rid of clutter in the memory bank.
    Thanks,
    Lynnie

  2. Oh yes…just what I needed to hear! Forgiveness is just about the best gift we can give ourselves and one another. I appreciate your encouragement today!

Comments are closed.