Skip to main content

The Best of Me

I probably sound like a broken record, but this is a very busy time for our family. I am notorious for putting too many irons in the fire. My need to please others usually overshadows logic, and I end up feeling less than best. We are an active bunch, and I stay busy. When I feel stretched as I do now, the enemy loves to creep in and make me feel less than. Have you been there? His favorite tactic is to use my emotions against me. He loves to whisper that I'm not enough. That my best isn't what people need. That all of my work means nothing.

Logically, I know this is untrue. The Word of God tells me so. But some days, my heart takes over and my emotions come out-raw and unfiltered. This week, I had such an experience. Looking back on the situation now, I can recognize that my thought process in the middle of what was happening was completely irrational. I let my heart do the thinking. Mistake number one. I allowed the enemy to whisper the "less than" lies and believed them. Mistake number two. I was tired and trying to do too much at one time. Mistake number three. It was a perfect storm for the flesh to show out in a big way.

Fortunately, I am blessed with people who love and care for me despite my moments of weakness. They forgive me when I have calmed down and realize what has happened. I'm so grateful for that. In times like this, I can relate to the words of Paul:

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Romans 7:15 NLT)

The point is, I was weak because I have been too busy to feed my spirit. The best of me was nonexistent because without Holy Spirit, there is no best version of me. Christ, my Redeemer and Friend, is the best of me. When I neglect that friendship, I become less of who I am in Christ. 

In moments like this, I recognize the need to stop and let Holy Spirit just hold me. To be comforted by the ultimate Comforter. His voice counters everything the enemy has whispered and, like a healing balm, clears away the murky thoughts that have clung to me. I begin to see myself again how He sees me. I remind myself that His voice is the Truth. I shed every other identity except the one that is in Him. 

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NLT)

I can definitely do things apart from Christ, but it won't be my best. It loses meaning and purpose. I would so much rather live my best with Him every day and allow others to see Him through what I say and do. He is the Best of me.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more