Random Thoughts

I am sitting here befuddled about the future.
About what is the truth, and what path will lead me down the right road.
I can continue to complain. 

Will that get me anywhere? It hasn't in the past.
We all have the power to change things. We can be our own miracles. 
How do I and How can I perform the miracle of which I ask when everything was taken away?
Everything, more like the things of this world that the natural mind desires.
I wish to be my own miracle. I just need the strength.

I am confused. Still. Distraught from past experiences.
My mind is currently flooded with natural lusts and desires.
I do not wish to fall back into what I have already done to myself in the past.

Some tell me everything happens for a reason. I wish to put my old self away.
Bury the old, with the old ways of thinking and cleanse myself. Be a new creation.

I was told recently, in the midst of my distress to read Philippians 4 and to take away something from it.

Philippians 4

 ¹Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Exhortations

 ²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow,^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

 ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

 ¹⁰I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

 ¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. ¹⁷Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

 ²⁰To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

 ²¹Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. ²²All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

 ²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.^{b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b]}

Forgive me. Renew me. Love me.