To Rescue Me from Me

Today, I read some truly challenging words in a devotion book that my husband and I enjoy each morning.  The book is "New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp.  Thank you, my friend Darla, for the gift of this book.

This morning's message focused on James 4:1-20.  The beginning sentences in today's  chapter speak of the sin in one’s heart - anger, bitterness, discontent, jealousy; sins that may result in difficult people problems.  Although the author didn't mention them, those sins can also result in health issues.  Those problems cannot always be laid at another door.

One of the important statements in this study is that much of the time the problem is me.  I'm desperately in need of the grace of God.  And, as Mr. Tripp says, "If I confess this, I am saying that I don't so much need to be rescued from people, locations, and situations.  I am in desperate need of the grace of God that alone is able to rescue me from me." 

I love what David asked of God in Psalm 51.  "Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me." 

It's about the heart, isn't it?

It's all about what's in my heart
and how I think and feel.
It's not another's sins set free
or the way this evil world I see.
It's not those things that hinder me
from knowing grace is real.

When trials come, when anger lives, when bitterness is there,
when discontent and jealous thoughts are more than I can bear,
God's grace is still available.
His love can set me free.
When I kneel with all my heart and mind
in contrite humility.

And then I must depend on Him
to rescue me from me.