by Dina Gonsar

The cross is a constant reminder of God’s love for us. Jesus died for us taking the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders. He rose again so we could have hope and be encouraged in His everlasting promises to us. In spite of knowing we would forsake Him, mock Him, and deny Him at times, His love for us is greater than we can comprehend. However, there are times we forget and retreat into our own destructive habits.

Recently I’ve found myself specifically praying, “Lord please help me to not be an Israelite.” Yes, they were His chosen people, however they had a distinct pattern. God would consistently deliver them, give them victory, and provide for them, yet their memories were short. As soon as challenges arose again, they panicked. In their panic, they would build other gods to serve, wail and complain that they had been abandoned, or give up in fear at the sight of the enemy.

How many times do we face a challenge or disappointing circumstance and allow it to drag us down? Instead of looking up to the One who has proven time and again to be in control of it all, we start digging ourselves a pit of pity and covering ourselves with a blanket of shame or fear. Instead of resting in and recalling the memories of how God has delivered or comforted us in the past, we allow our spirit and eyes to become downcast. We can default to letting the enemy come in and set up camp in our minds and hearts.

I do not want to circle back to my same sin. I do not want to repeat the same complaints or make the same mistakes all because my mind is fixated on all that has gone wrong. 

 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. –Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

Jesus died so I could be free from everyday worry and anxiety that threatens to steal my peace! He was wounded for my transgressions so I do not have to wallow in my guilt or regret. I do not have to make the same mistakes as the Israelites did and wander for years in my own short sightedness. I can choose to turn my eyes upon Jesus and let Him lead me as it states in Psalm 23:2–3 (NIV):

 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

This Easter season, let us work to hide these words in our hearts. They will be the first words that come to mind when trouble arises. Therefore, panic, pity, and other arrows the enemy may want to send our way will not take root. We have covered ourselves in His promises and we can rest in the power of the blood of Jesus.

Dina Gonsar is the writer and creator behind the popular DishItGirl.com. Dina has shared her recipes and love for family dinner across numerous media outlets both local and national. She is an award-winning home cook that has a heart for encouraging her community both in and out of the kitchen. Dina has a heart for encouraging those right where they are at, especially when it involves the kitchen table. When she isn’t dishing it up on television you can find her in the kitchen with her daughter Siena and her husband Brian in New Jersey. You can learn more about Dina by visiting: www.dishitgirl.com