Hard Things

So here's what God has been teaching me lately...

I've been really convicted about all the ways I silence God's voice. God says hard things to me. They are good things, but they are hard. These things call me to change, to turn around, to repent, but they ultimately lead to my joy.

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me." But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. - Jonah 1:1-3

What ways do you "flee from the presence of the Lord"? Mine are many and varied and sneaky. My heart justifies me A LOT in my sin.

I wonder why I go to such great lengths to block out God's voice? Like a little child that runs away from a scolding. It's probably because in my heart I don't really want to change, perhaps it's because the truth of God's goodness, and righteousness, and love hasn't sunk in as deeply as it should. His way leads to everlasting joy, mine leads only to death.

Anyway, like Jonah I run away from hard things. But there is no need to do that. God does tell us hard things, but it is for our lasting joy and ultimate happiness. It takes courage to continue to come to God when He calls, however, it is so worth it!