A Thorn in the Flesh

 

When I shared my recap of scripture on Saturday, the following was one of the verses that stood out to me and I shared with y'all because I felt it spoke to me about my battle with depression.....

Proverbs 18:14 (NLT) - The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Something happened one day last week that troubled me....I read about how God had delivered somebody from their depression and given them a spirit of happiness.

I think a lot when I'm working.....and I spent most of this past Saturday painting our bedroom.  As I was painting and pondering the words of how this person had been delivered from their depression....and feeling like I sometimes fall into the category of "oh, ye of little faith".....the words of Paul came to my mind.....

2 Corinthians 12:7b-8 (NLT) - So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.  Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

I know that scripture doesn't tell us what the "thorn" was that Paul was referring to.....but as I read the commentary on the verse in my study Bible....it gave a list of several things that it could have been.....and, here's the one that jumped off the page at me....

"some form of mental or psychological distress"

Even though Paul asked God three times to please get rid of whatever this ailment was....God chose not to.  Paul was wise enough to realize that it kept him humble....and dependent on his Lord!!

I know that the Holy Spirit brought that verse of scripture to mind.  I also know that God continually saves me....it's an ongoing process....so I just take it one day at a time....and rely on Him to help me thru....just one-day-at-a-time!!!
And....these days....for the most part.....I'm happy, too!!!

Thank you, Precious Lord....for your forgiveness....and your grace....and your mercy!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!