I need to confess to you something you probably already know: I'm not perfect. In fact, I'm quite sinful. I struggle with the idea that God can use me, and while my faith in Him does not falter, I constantly am in conflict with myself. And that is the nature of the flesh, isn't it? To be opposed to the Spirit? The flesh gives us these images about ourselves, who we should be, what we should be doing, heck, it even provides "escapes" for us that, whether sinful or not, promise relief and rest, though this promise always falls short. This is what the world does: it counterfeits the blessings and promises of God, and makes you seek the created thing, rather than the Creator himself. It promises you peace and security, if you'll but focus on the things it gives you, but these things never satisfy.
Jesus met a woman at a well who had this same problem. She had been married 5 times, and was currently cohabitating with a man who wasn't her husband. She went to the well alone, because her society looked down on her lifestyle, and she did it daily. Jesus assured her that these wells would never satisfy her, that she would have to return to them over and again, but her thirst would never truly be quenched. He was the only one who could bring the water that quenches thirst. He sought her out, not seeking to take advantage of her, but to restore her spirit and soul. And He does the same for us. We have to stop chasing the false securities, and seek the peace and rest that truly restores and satisfies. Matthew 11:25-29 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
