The Lie God Does Not See

Hab 3:17 NLT Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Have you ever been confronted with this internal conflict? You find yourself facing adversity and maybe approaching a breaking point. Within your heart, you know your victory over the crisis begins with praising the Lord in the midst of it and rejoicing in the face of the adversity. ("Let all those who put their trust in thee, rejoice" [amidst the conflict]. Ps.5)

In truth, I've found that this internal clash is between my spirit and my will, my emotions--my spirit wants to respond strictly according to the dictates of God's Word but my will defiantly states, "I don't feel like doing that!" While my spirit quietly suggests that I raise my hands and declare, 'I love & trust you, Lord,' yet every emotion within me shouts, "NO! That's a lie ...because I do not feel like praising right now and I certainly don't feel like I trust!"

When amidst that challenge, my body responds to the quiet pressing of my spirit, in spite of the arguing of my will, God does not see this as a lie. When my heart turns God-ward, even as the internal clamor still rages, Father sees this as a tremendous victory--the internal victory of my spirit over an amazingly powerful and defiant self-will. Though every emotion within me may declare it a lie, God receives my offering (however feeble it may seem) as a 'sacrifice of praise,'

Paul actually takes this discussion even further in his Rm.8 account of the result of being "carnally minded." (Driven by the appetites and dictates of the flesh) Rm.8:13a AMP For if you live according to the dictates of the flesh, you will surely die... 8:6 NKJV For to be carnally minded is death. 8:13b ...But if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Selah! \o/