Some food for thought written by Paul Tripp.

1. I Was Not Designed
Paul Tripp
I was not designed
to be on my own
to author my own story
to compose my own rules
to live with me in the center.
I was not designed
to look for life outside of You
to treasure the creation
to love people, places, and things
more than You.
I was not designed
to rely on my wisdom
to trust my imagination
to rely on my thoughts
to ignore Your revelation.
I was not designed
to follow the path of my craving
to be enslaved to my desires
to be ruled by my passions
more than I am by You.
I was not designed
to put created things in Your place
to look to the creation
to fulfill the longings
that only You can fulfill.
I was not designed
to live for the moment
to ignore what is forever
to covet what belongs to others
forgetting I’ve been given You.
I was not designed
to question Your goodness
to bring you to the court of my judgment

2. to be bitter in my assessment
of the things You do.
I was not designed
to let my heart fill with envy
to be constantly accounting
to be jealous and untrusting
instead of resting in You.
I was not designed
to forget that Your right hand holds me
to ignore your good counsel
to not see that You’re with me.
I was not designed
to think I am living
to ignore the evidence that I’m dying
to forget that we perish
when separate from You.
So I acknowledge this morning
it is good to be with You
to make you my sole refuge
to speak daily of your workings
Whom do I have but You?
I praise you for rescue
for always holding me near You
for owning my hearts desires.
My life is You.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. There is a long list of things for which we were not designed. Which are you
struggling with most at the moment?
2. Identify what you’re struggling with most again. What happens when you live
outside of your intended design in that area?
3. What is the opposite reality of #2? In other words, what were you designed to
do or be, and what happens when you live within your intended design?
4. What truths do you need to preach to yourself to realign your heart with that
intended design?