I call it “ulcerated Christianity.” We all suffer from it from time to time. It's when we allow circumstances, relationships, trials, misfortunes to cause us upset and joylessness. One of the reasons is because we sometimes harbor the feeling we're not pleasing in the sight of God...that is, we dwell on our spiritual defeats and disappointments. Last Sunday we saw some of the consequences of living the Christian life like that...horrible living. We needed to be reminded that we stand perfect before God because our sins (all) have been paid for and now we stand clothed in Christ's righteousness (Galatians 3:27). Secondly, we forget how much God loves each one of us (John 3:16; Romans 8:38-39). But thirdly, and the point of today's Truth Matters...heal your “ulcerated” Christianity by looking away from your “predicament” and focusing on Jesus...His sovereignty...His eternal and loving plan for you.

Today's My Utmost for His Highest reminds us:

When our Lord speaks peace, he makes peace; his words are forever Spirit and life (John 6:63). Have I ever received the peace of Jesus? It comes from looking into his face and realizing his undisturbed calm.

Are you painfully disturbed right now, distracted by the waves and billows of God's providential permission? Have you been examining your beliefs, searching them for a bit of peace and joy and comfort and finding none? Then look up and receive the undisturbedness of the Lord. Reflected peace is proof that you are all right with God, because you are at liberty to turn your mind to him. If you aren't right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. If you allow anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you, either you are disturbed or you have a false sense of security.

Are you looking to Jesus right now, in a matter that is urgently pressing, and receiving peace from him? If so, he will be a gracious blessing of peace in and through you. But try to worry it out and you will obliterate him from your life and deserve what you get. We become disturbed because we haven't been considering Jesus Christ. When we turn to him, our perplexity vanishes, because he has no perplexity; our only concern then is to abide in him.

Bring all your troubles and worries to Jesus; lay them out before him. In the midst of difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, hear him say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1).

In high school, I worked for a painting contractor who sent me on a number of scary jobs...one of which was scraping and painting the frames and sash of windows on a five story building. Talk about “ulcers,” I was developing them just thinking about standing out on a window ledge that high. That all changed when I was given a thick, wide, leather belt that was fastened to secure I bolts. The belt gave me the security to work with confidence and freedom...No more “ulcers.” That's the way we get rid of our “ulcerated Christianity”...we look to and place our confidence in Jesus no matter how high the building might be. That's what Jesus meant when He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, so often we find ourselves as “ulcerated Christians.” Help us to realize Your sovereign, powerful, loving oversight of our lives...all the days of our life. Just to know You care about what we experience...that nothing takes You by surprise...that You orchestrate our lives with purpose...that nothing can separate us from Your love...that gives us the “thick, wide, leather belt fastened securely” to Your omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. We now can live in freedom and joy no matter how high the “window ledge” we're standing on. Remind us often. Heal us of our “ulcers.” In Jesus' name...Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.