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For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:16–17 WEB.

Just as a sponge filled with liquid, so is our heart within us. It absorbs all the hurts and pains in our life. When we come to the Lord, it is often filled with yucky things like poison and bitterness. We invite Jesus into our hearts, and He comes into our life. Yet, this is only the beginning. The bad things in our life the week before our conversion are often still there, but we try to hide them better.

Yes, I know we are a new creation in Christ, but we are to renew our mind (Romans 12:2). We are to put on the new man (Ephesians 4:24). I have been around church people long enough to notice that some of us haven't done that.

Over time, the Lord purifies us, and He removes the bad. It will usually involve external pressure of some kind that squeezes us, much like a sponge. If we let Him, the Lord will slowly replace our selfishness, bitterness, jealousy, and strife with His love, gentleness, compassion, patience, and kindness. It doesn't instantly happen. It's a lifelong process, so there is no need to get in a hurry. He will work on something for a while, give you some rest, and then start on the next one. If you look back over your life, you should see some progress.

Some call it mountains and valleys. Yet often, it's like being held underwater for a while, squeezed, then pulled up for air at the last minute, much like a sponge. There have been times when I really didn't think I was going to make it. Then 24 hours later, everything suddenly changed. God is faithful, but when He is after something in your life, He can be relentless, like a dentist going after a bad tooth.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) WEB.

Tests don't last forever, and you won't actually drown. It just feels that way when you are going through it. Small children cry and whine a lot to get their way, but a weaned child is content to wait (Psalm 131:2). The sooner that you submit, the sooner that you will have relief. Working against Him will only prolong it. So take heart, it will be great when you do come up for air, and you will be better than before.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please draw my heart to You in a deeper way. Let me live all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence, and walk with me today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: For those interested, we will be celebrating today at our Wednesday morning prayer service at the usual time of 10:30am EST! This is a short service, about 15-20 minutes, where we pray together for any needs you bring forth. Hope to see y'all there! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.