Why Do We Do That

I try to do self-reflection regularly. I want God to search me and rid me of anything that is not of God.
As I sit here today, I realize I waste way too much energy on people who could care less about me and I waste way too much energy on situations I can't change.

There are people literally fighting for one more day, as I sit and waste this beautiful thing called life.
Let's face it, not everyone will love you the way you want them to...heck not everyone will even like you. Be the authentic you, if they don't like or appreciate that YOU, then maybe they aren't meant to be a part of your tribe.

I get a devotional called "Lead Like Jesus." My first inclination was to say I was so surprised that it went along with my thoughts today. But, in reality, I'm not surprised at all. God gives us what we need when we need it.

Allow me to share what the devotional said today:
"Many forces pull at us and try to distract us from what God has given us to do in life. Temptation and opposition are obvious ones, but others--well-meaning friends (and I will add--not so well-meaning friends), success, and popularity--can be just as distracting. Jesus was familiar with all of these. Consider how He responded to His disciples' well-intentioned but off-target suggestion. Time with the Father kept Him focused on His mission and purpose despite success and the good intentions of others. What distractions attempt to derail you? What helps you stay focused on God's direction and purpose for your life?"

The devotional talks about well-intentioned people. That wasn't so much my focus, but distractions--how we let things interfere with God's intentions for us. I have watched over my many years of life, God remove people from my life for my own good, or change my circumstances --I would grieve or be angry rather than grateful. We don't always see the blessing staring us in the face. Instead we chase things that God has removed. Where is our trust in God and God's will?

My prayer is to continue to grow closer to God...To appreciate what God is doing in my life (even if I don't like it in the moment)...I want to be in God's will. Let us pray everyday for God to search us. Let us pray everyday that we are in God's will. Let us pray everyday to KNOW God's voice.
If you don't spend time with someone, you may not be so quick to recognize them when they call. It applies to God. The more time you spend with God, the better you recognize God's voice.

And let's stop chasing what God has removed.