Most, if not all, of us struggle with living a right (righteous) life. I know I do. I feel Paul’s pain in Romans when he talks about doing the things he doesn’t want to do and not being able to do things he wants to do (Romans 7:15-21). I want to do right and live right, but too often I fail miserably. I feel weak. I feel like a mess.

God has been slowing shifting my focus over the past few weeks. Away from actions and rules. Toward love and grace.

It’s a hard lesson to learn because I have years of “bad thinking” built up. I’m used to thinking about trying to follow all the rules instead of following Him. Years of guilt instead of grace. It’s not the best way to live…and it’s not God’s way.

I got yet another reminder of that this morning in my devotional book…

“Trying to be holy always results in failure after failure. Falling in love with a righteous God results in progress. Failures still happen, but there’s a noticeably different approach to them. Instead of obsessing about shortcomings, we begin to obsess about God’s goodness…Law no longer consumes us; grace does.” (Walk With God, p. 201)

I wish this lesson came more naturally…but for me it’s hard work. I have to work to focus my attention on my relationship with God instead of trying to be good. But it’s getting easier…more natural. I am learning to accept God’s love and walk in His presence every day. I have much to learn, but I have a patient Father who wants me to learn this lesson and live in His grace. What a relief!