What’s the Root?

by Susan Sampson

The Lord has been kindly showing me that much of my frustration stems from fear. I realized that I’m afraid of not getting it right and of my children not “getting it” or not “doing the right thing.”  I confessed to the Lord that I want to “get it right” more than I want Christ.

Our battle is not against flesh (our children) but against the cosmic powers of this present darkness (Eph. 6).  Praise God for Christ who died for my sins of unbelief, fear, and idolatry.  By His wounds we have been healed!  Lord, please give us the grace to trust you and rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross!

When we fall and began to sink as Peter did in the water when he took his eyes off Christ, may we all do the only thing that can save us — immediately cry out to Jesus!  He alone can lift us out of the miry pit and set our feet back on firm ground.  Let’s not shrink back in shame and condemnation as the enemy wants us to do, but run to the One who has already paid our debt with His blood.

Only you, Lord, are mighty to save.  I cannot change my children’s hearts, I can only come alongside them in this journey and keep pointing to the One who laid down His life to save theirs.

So the truth is that Jesus is a friend to sinners. Praise God!  He delights in us today, wherever each one of us may be.  May the voice of the Lord be a sweet blessing to your soul from Isaiah 62:4: “You shall no more be termed ‘Forsaken’ and your land shall no more be termed ‘Desolate,’ but you shall be called ‘My Delight is in Her’, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.”

I want to encourage us all to really ask the Lord to continue to search our hearts and reveal to us the root sins that are bringing about the sinful fruit (not being afraid of what is down in there) so we can bring it into the light and confess it and receive His grace and forgiveness.