Enemy Awareness

I never feel more under attack from the enemy than when I feel irritation and frustration creep in. The type of irritation that seeps in through the skin and provokes you to be something you're not. The type of mental transformation that has you asking all those little questions that cause you doubt and wonder (and wAnder). All those things that are evidence of the enemy.

Several years ago I was introduced to the book - The Spirit-Controlled Temperament, by Tim LaHaye. This was a life changing book for me. As someone who had spent years beating myself up about certain aspects of who I am, this book debunked and altered, and dare I say - even had me appreciating - the way God made me. In all of God's humor, he has always surrounded me by people who do not have the same temperament as me, which only perpetuates the loneliness at times. Sometimes, folks with my temperament, seek a tangible someone who really "gets" you - and appreciates you - and easily forgives you. <------ This would be my husband by the way. God help this man.

Before I read the book I had very little appreciation for my somewhat secluded, introverted nature. Afterwards, something completely changed and I began, for the first time, to truly begin to embrace God's masterpiece. It doesn't change the fact that "only the strong survive" when it comes to being a close person in my life. Very few make the cut. But that's just how us Melancholies roll.

This morning as I continue in my study of Nehemiah I am about to embark on Nehemiah's prayer life. In thinking on the amount of time spent in prayer it makes me think about my temperament. One detail that is associated with my temperament is passion. Very passionate. Not passionate about everything, but passionate about the things that really matter. And sometimes that passion knows no time or bounds. This has the tendency to be very overwhelming. Are you familiar with the concept "if I can't do everything then I will do nothing"? That's kind of the way that it is for me. This is not the mindset to have with prayer. So with that being said… I'm off to learn, and maybe take a lesson, from Nehemiah's prayer play book. Because at this point if I don't then this blog post is about to go in a million directions. And that's no fun.

But on a fun note... Here is a look at Day 1 of my Nehemiah bible study!! Am loving this study!! Am I allowed to do all 5 days in one day??