3. Freedom from confusion. God is not a God of confusion,
but of order and peace (see 1 Corinthians 14:33). It’s easy to feel
confused because we have so much information coming at us all
the time. Eat dairy – no, don’t eat dairy! Get a certain health test
every year – wait, it’s not necessary! Stay out of the sun – or, make
sure you’re getting some sun because you need the Vitamin D.
Then there are the endless opinions from news outlets, social
media, and the latest “thought leaders.” Tips, hacks, and short-
cuts that are supposed to make your life easier can just make
you feel like you’re not doing enough, and you’re not good at
whatever you ARE doing. Don’t know what to do about some-
thing? Follow peace – that’s how the Holy Spirit leads us. Not
sure you have a peaceful leading yet? Here’s some advice that
helps me: when in doubt, don’t. Wait until you have peace and
clarity. If you ask God for clarity, wisdom, and guidance – He will
give it to you because He gives wisdom liberally when we ask
for it (see James 1:5). God is not the author of confusion (again,
see 1 Corinthians 14:33), so if your mind is spinning over “what
to do,” that is NOT from the Lord!
4. Freedom from conflict. Having running gun battles with
yourself, God, or other people steals your energy and your abil-
ity to enjoy your life and for others to enjoy being around you!
“But you don’t know what they did to me,” you may cry. I hear
you. But if having the same conversation (or argument) with
yourself, others, or God isn’t producing results, STOP! This isn’t
to say you shouldn’t bring good, Godly correction when need-
ed. But stop fighting to have your way all the time. Forgiveness
is a mindset and a behavior, not an emotion. You will almost
never “feel like” forgiving someone, but if you want to feel free,
you will have to do it.
Every Friday in July I will post a new blog that goes further into
detail on these ideas. There’s even a video in case you’d rather
watch (or listen) than read. Come join me at www.One-Derful-
Life.com - I also have more articles, videos, and ideas that will
help you live your most One-Derful Life!
SHEMAGAZINE.COM
AUGUST 2017
69