My devotional today is from Streams in the Desert. Here are some excerpts that spoke to me:

"You've just got to believe that He's done it and it's done." The great danger with most of us is that, after we ask Him to do it, we do not believe that it is done, but we keep on helping Him, and getting others to help Him; and waiting to see how He is going to do it. --Days of Heaven upon Earth

An active faith can give thanks for a promise, though it be not as yet performed; knowing that God's bonds are as good as ready money. --Matthew Henry

Active faith says, "I believe it! and the promise now I take,
Knowing well, as I receive it, God, each promise, real will make.
So I step into the waters, finding there an open way;
Onward press, the land possessing; nothing can my progress stay.

Passive faith but praises in the light,
When sun doth shine.
Active faith will praise in darkest night--
Which faith is thine?

So faith says I believe you have already done what You promised to do. What did you promise me, Lord?

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

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

Finally, 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. Whatever 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.” Philippians 4:4-9

I notice that some promises of God are conditional only on our salvation and some require some action on our part. I am not guaranteed transcending peace if I am anxious and don't present my requests, prayers, and petitions to Christ... I am so grateful for this fresh reminder this morning, Lord. What tender mercies you have!

Particularly helpful to me is the admonition to dwell on GOOD things. I have been obsessing about what I can't have and what I shouldn't do, but haven't been focusing much on replacing the activity fasted from with a more holy activity. It's interesting that the Lord would press this sin on my heart at just the season when many Christians are thinking about Lent. I've never personally participated in Lent, but I have a feeling what I'm doing now is very similar and so rather than heaping burdens on top of myself, I will be faithful with what the Lord has given me.

I did finish my scripture cards and have those ready and waiting to refer to when a strong craving kicks in, so that's replacing bad thoughts with the Truth of God's word. But I need to also be practicing thinking of good things BEFORE I get to the point of temptation!

I loved what today's devotional said about faith always believing that it's already done. Do I really believe that God has forgiven me and has already unlocked the chains that held me to my sin? I think I'm getting there!

Lord, how are You SO faithful?!? How do You answer my prayer as soon as it's off my tongue (or fingers as the case may be)? Since the first day I set my mind to gain understanding and to humble myself before You, my words were heard and you have sent everything necessary to rescue me! My knight in shining armor! I do believe you - help me with my unbelief! Fill my heart and head with praises for the Savior who loves me so.