Helpless...or so we think

Well its that time of the semester.  You know what I mean.  Its April.  The semester is coming to a close...and all those papers you have been putting off are finally due.  If I have calculated correctly, (which is not very promising at this point) I have written 8,000 words (equaling 28 pages total) this week for my classes and there is still more to come.  So here's to consecutive nights of 3 hours of sleep, coffee, dr pepper, and friends that keep you laughing. 

Now it is time for writing that I really enjoy.  I am finding that journaling and blogging is theraputic and brings joy to my soul.  It helps to sort through the constant flow of thoughts and put some direction to them.

I am blessed to be attending a church where the Word is brought each week.  Like many college students, I stayed up late on Saturday night.  Sunday morning came early, but I awoke ready to share in worship and fellowship with God and His body.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.      ~Rom. 8:5

My pastor preached over Romans 7:14-8:11.  Paul writes how as Christians, we have a strong inner struggle of the desires of the flesh and the desires of God.  Verse 5 shows that we have a choice of what we set our minds on.  In my mind "choice" seems like a cut and dry action, not too difficult to accomplish.  Right?  This is not the case at all when I think back to the countless times, especially recently, that I have been struggling with where my mind is focused. 

Thoughts are probably the my most difficult thing to control.  God is so good though because when I start to get frustrated or sad that my plan is not coming along as I would like, he brings songs to my mind and I begin singing them even before I realize what is happening.  He will change your thoughts and set your mind on him when you ask.  He will become your desire.

Here are the three points from the sermon:

• We must realize we have a problem. (admit it)
• We cannot fix it by our own doing.
• God is ready and willing to help.

These are so simple and sound like Bible 101 but how often do we forget there truth?  We take the problem upon ourselves to fix.  God has provided his Word and the fellowship of other Christians to keep us accountable.  We cannot depend upon our own strength.

When you are losing this battle, even in the slightest way, seek God and his power to defeat what only he can.