This week started with a very personal attack. Everything in me wanted to fight back, but I felt a very firm order to stay silent. So hard. So very hard.

Then last night I was scanning through something I’d posted and saw this verse.

Man, did it speak to my heart. Maybe it speaks to your heart as well. 

My goal in the way I lead life is for my steps to always be pointed toward Jesus. It doesn’t mean I’m perfect. It doesn’t mean things I do or say aren’t taken out of context and misinterpreted. But I’m learning I’m not responsible for another person’s behavior. I’m responsible for my heart, my motives, my actions. That’s what I can control.

So I have to pray to not pick up an offense. I have to pray to not develop bitterness. I have to turn over my desire to please everyone and keep them all happy. I have to relinquish my need for justice and vindication.  And rely instead on pleasing the One who really matters. The One who holds my heart. The One who gave His all for me.

Sometimes that hurts, but it doesn’t cost me anything compared to His sacrifice for me.

So here’s to living a life that’s steady in its focus on Him. A life that follows the course He has set for me.

I have a feeling it will be a life that demands much time on my knees.