How good momentum can heal you

When I talked about momentum last week I mentioned how hard it was for me to change mine from negative to positive. Since I first started on my journey with God  I've learned a few tools that help keep me on the right road. 

James 5:16 "Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  

Confession! It makes your boots quake doesn't it? It also makes you think of all the things you think nobody knows about that you've done. Well let me tell you who you can't hide anything from...Jesus!  There's a little thing he is good at called Omnipresent. King David stated it like this "where can I go from Your Spirit?.... If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.." 

Yeah He has all ready seen all the deep, dark secrets you've hidden, buried and tried to block from your mind. But guess what? Jesus still loves you and He wants to heal you. This confessing business doesn't just start with the things you've done. It also starts with the ugly, sinful things that have been DONE to YOU.  

Actually telling the ugly things done to you can be scarier than admitting what you've done sometimes. It is humbling and relieving all at the same time but necessary to receive the promise of healing. You don't want to be carrying around old hurts, angers, frustrations your whole life. When all those things are brought into the light Jesus can then start to clean up that old wound. 

****Side Note: Scientifically did you know light can cleanse wounds? It can also be used for surgery i.e. laser surgery on your eyes. Now that would be an awesome blog or sermon! I'm digressing a bit.... 

Upon my initial reading of James 5:16 I freaked out a little bit. My head started RACING with questions about "who am I gonna share my sins with?", "Why do I have to tell anybody?" "Who do I know that is trustworthy enough to love me in my darkest spots?"  I started thinking about all the qualities needed in a true friend. 
 
What constitutes a good friend who you can not only acknowledge sin to but also confess all sin committed against you and your responses to that sin?  Not everyone can  fulfil this role in your life. I have compiled a short list of qualities that I consider necessary in a true friend.
    1)  Does not take what you've said and tell everyone. Some people DO NOT have your best interest at heart. They are your friend to your face and as soon as you turn around your life is ammunition to tear you down.  Choose WISELY!  Trust is built over time. Allow a true friendship to develop over time. 
    2) Trustworthy: You have witnessed situations that allowed a person to display loyalty, honesty & integrity towards others especially their enemies. Yep enemies! Jesus said "bless your enemies." He didn't say get on Facebook and talk trash. Trust me on this one the more you forgive and bless your enemies the more you will prosper in every way possible.
    3) Truly LOVES the Lord! They model Christ's love, truly pray for people when they say they are going to & constantly point you to the Word of God for confirmation of how to line up with God. If they are helping you sin, YOU need to MOVE around! By that I mean you need to get away from that person as fast as you can. 

This is just the short list of qualities that are needed in a friend. Ask the Lord to show you who you can connect with that will walk a God filled journey with you.
Being able to truly speak from your heart and have a true friend will allow healing to take place in you & your relationships. Take comfort that Jesus knows you & loves you.  He wants you to know him as intimately as he knows you!

Prayer for a God filled friend:
Jesus you see me and you see my needs. I want to be a true friend and receive a true friend who will walk this journey with me. We need to be "iron that sharpens iron", holding one another accountable for our actions, thoughts & deeds. I, thank you Lord for divine connections. Jesus, I am praising you and thanking you for hearing my prayer!