After years of tests, trials, and tribulations, failures and shortcomings, we rarely take a minute to really reflect on how these things have affected us and assisted in our growth and change. Most of us go through a difficult time and our focus is just on getting through. But what happens after you make it to the other side of adversity? Do you just move on to the next and continue this cycle never taking a moment to look back and examine how you’ve changed, or how it has changed you.
Anyone starting a weight loss journey knows that they are in for a tough ride, but they expect change in the process. Day after day and week after week they look closely in the mirror for change and examine their efforts and chart the progress. In a similar way we need to keep up with the changes that life can bring about. Has it made you bitter or better? Has it made you mean or merry? Are you walking around with regret, guilt, and being unforgiving? Is there sadness beneath that smile, or a joy that cannot be taken away?
Even when we fail to take a look at ourselves, God is constantly in tune with the rhythm of our souls. He knows our innermost thoughts, hurts, worries and fears. He knows when others have treated us badly and when we have done wrong. Ignoring these things or pretending like they didn’t happen or didn’t change us doesn’t make it any less real or true. In Psalms 26:1-3 David says, “Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your loving kindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.” In a similar way we need to let God do the work. When we are having a hard time seeing ourselves and who we have become, we should ask God to examine our hearts, reveal our truths and fix anything that was broken or bent. If we do that we can be whole and continue on our journey with love, and God’s light, fulfilling our purpose.