We are HUMAN beings and SPIRITUAL beings. We often get trapped in the space between being HUMAN and being SPIRITUAL.
In our HUMAN PART, we have it down. We naturally learn, grow and explore. Our curious nature takes us places. Our minds and our souls get shaped in a way that carries us forward. Some people treat us well. Other times we are treated poorly. We succeed and are celebrated And, we fail, get bullied and are ridiculed. In pain we cry, weep, and sulk. Other times we are just overlooked.
Life continues. We live through the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. We love and win. We love and lose. We try to be good. Sometimes we are good. But, there is always unrest in one’s soul.
In our SPIRITUAL PART we find answers, vision, and great comfort. We submit, confess, and believe. We love Jesus and he loves us. We celebrate. We accept God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We go to church. Worship. Believe the Bible. And, give our money in support. We love the church of Jesus Christ. And, we are longtime church members. If a pastor makes a poor morale decision. And, he falls, we grieve, but we do not waiver because as spiritual beings we love and follow Jesus not any other human.
But, there also seems to be a third place. Let’s call it the MIDDLE PLACE. Also, known as our emotional program. We don’t want to be just human. We want to be spiritual beings that love and glorify God. But, we have unique individual struggles that hinder us. They stunt spiritual growth and keep us anchored in our humanity.
- I carry unresolved pain.
- Anger and disappointments weigh me down.
- I am burdened and can’t find relief.
- Emotional confusion torments me.
- My mind scares me.
- I am hard on myself.
- Regrets haunt me.
- I carry rejection, shame, and unworthiness.
- For years a heaviness has lived in my soul.
- I’ve never felt good enough.
One life goal is to make Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit Lord of the MIDDLE PLACE.
Prayer
Father, there is no doubt you picked me. And, I have picked you back. But there is lingering, heavy, emotional material in my soul. I need help in my MIDDLE PLACE. I need help with my scared, wounded-boy emotional program. It hinders me from peace. Today, I make you Lord of all my internal pain and confusion. Help me order my inner world. Give me life changing insights. No matter what happens in my life. I give you all glory and honor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Meditate on this verse.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear (and condemning inner voices) but you received the Spirit of sonship. And, by him we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit the we are God’s children…heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.
(We are Abba’s loved boys.)
Romans 7:15-17 (NIV)