THE TRIGGER TO OUR RATIONALIZING

 Rationalizing endorses the internal belief that we are victims of circumstances beyond our control.  We have lived for so long not taking responsibility for our actions and being unwilling to work through our problems that it seems overwhelming for us to come to terms with our part in the circumstances we are faced with today. We make excuses for our actions based on the hurt we have sustained.  We reason that our wrong choices are justified because of what we have experienced. 

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 2:13; 4:13 NLT)

There may be traumatic events in our past to which we still have emotional links, and the resulting fear produces rationalization. God wants to heal our wounds and set us free from the false belief that the evil one assigned to those memories.  Are we willing to be healed, or will we continue to let the devil “kick us while we are down?” 

The trigger to our rationalization may be a bitter root of unforgiveness against someone who harmed us or just didn’t help us when we thought they should have.  Our way is to hold on to the hate of that person and rationalize that we have a right to feel this way.  However, God’s way is restoration through forgiveness, both given and received.  Continuing to choose our way through rationalizing, rather than God’s way of forgiving, will have a damaging effect on our recovery.

We need to ask the God who loves us unconditionally to show us the root cause of those behaviours that continue to damage our lives. As we seek God in all our ways, we can be sure He will give us the power and guidance to make good choices that will set us free from our bondage to the past. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Please help me to forgive those hurtful things that set me on a wrong course in life.  Today I choose to surrender my will and life over to Your care.  I trust You to give me the desire and the power to do what pleases You.  Amen