Growing through
Mistakes: Part-2.
Perspective on Mistakes.
At the time David penned Psalm 31, it appears he was
broken, disappointed in himself, possibly under the gun from recent
mistakes, discouraged. On the heels of these bad mistakes, David turned
to the Lord for the comfort and encouragement that only He can give.
As we read his words, we can find some insight into how God responds
to our mistakes.
How He Views us When We Make Mistakes.
David tells us that God views us realistically and thoroughly. Psalm
31:7. David rejoices because God sees us where we are, even in the messes
that our mistakes have made. Nothing about our circumstances, our bad
habits, or how we were raised is hidden from Him. God also knows the
dark sides of our souls. He knows our fears, doubts, shame; He probes
down inside us and knows us for who we really are. (See also Psalm 139).
How He Treats Us When We Make Mistakes.
There is a deep-seated tug-of-war in all of us to be fully known and
yet to keep parts of ourselves hidden from view. If God sees us realistically
and thoroughly, our next question would logically be, How will He treat
us?Verse 8 calms our anxiety. "And Thou hast not given me over into
the hand of the enemy." (v. 8a) What's the one thing we fear most when
our mistakes are exposed? Rejection. But David declares that God doesn't
reject us. The flow of His love is not regulated by the amount or size
of our mistakes. Next, David declares that God gives us space to learn
from our mistakes. "Thou hast set my feet in a large place."(v.8b) God
doesn't crowd in and take control of our lives every time we're about
to make a mistake. Instead, He gives us room to grow and learn.
How He Instructs Us When We Make Mistakes.
First, He instructs us in a context of trust, not suspicion.
(Ps. 31: 14) God never gets fed up with us, even after we've come to
Him with the same mistake for the hundredth time. We can always trust
Him to help us. Second, God instructs us in all of life, not
just the pleasant times. "My times are in Thy hand." (v.15a) Even when
we are ashamed, embarrassed, humiliated, or failing, He will meet us
with love and gentle instruction. Third, He instructs us privately,
not publicly. (vv. 19-20) The best lessons are taught when we are alone,
when the secret chambers of our hearts are open to hearing God's wisdom.
Insight about Mistakes.
The next time you sense you're about to make a mistake, try checking
three things: Your Motive, Your Moment, and Your Method. However, when
you do make a mistake, keep in mind these comforting thoughts. First,
I'm human. As simple as that may sound, it is often the very thing we
need to be reminded of when we start punishing ourselves for not being
perfect. Second, Through this I have learned____________(fill
in the blank). Third, remember, I will recover. As David said,
as he ended his psalm, "Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the Lord." (v.24) Be encouraged.
**************************Letter # 23 (16.6.2001)********************
