In our human nature (and pride), without even being aware of it, we can often “play hard to get” with God.
Come to me (Jesus), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For (Because) my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Ever feel like you need to trust in your own abilities (mental, emotional, physical capabilities) and resources. Sure. Everywhere we look, this world teaches us to do so.
Boy, I’ve really spent myself, I’ve exhausted by strength trying to live this life in my strength with my own understanding. I’ve been so afraid of not having enough of my own strength to rely on to see me through, to get me by, and to overcome so I don’t cave in.
There are times when I’m tempted to believe that God has stopped “directing my paths.” And, Satan loves to steal, kill and destroy my trust in God. The devil’s still using that old lie, “Hath God surely said?” (Genesis 3)
I’ve lived many years on the merry-go-round of giving problems to God and then taking them back again.
Going through a trial? While growing up, I was taught to panic, to get upset and even mad at God if things weren’t going my way, if things in life weren’t exactly running smoothly. It’s taken time (Good thing God’s so persistent with me), but I’m learning not to get mad at God, but instead to surrender my anger and fears to Him, to His Lordship, and to let Him work within the situation. I’ve learned that’s it’s best to stay close to Him and to let His peace reign in my heart. He wants me to know that He’s in control, yes, even now when I’m hurting and don’t know how to get out of the situation. Often, God does His best work in my life when the only way out is through trusting Him. He keeps using these types of teaching scenarios to keep building and fortifying my trust in His faithful, loving care.
Until I surrender to Him, I can struggle, struggle, struggle. When I give “it” to Him, I calm down in His arms…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
That’s what our loving Heavenly Father is after in our lives – Complete trust in Him at all times and the peace of mind that letting Him direct our paths brings. That’s when we enter His rest. He’s so faithful.
Learning from Jesus and finding rest for my soul…Mmmm.
God bless,
Mark