It's the start to a NEW year, which is a fresh start...which in turn causes everyone to think about what they want to change in their life, for the better. With the start of this new year, I've been thinking about the things that I need to do, just to try a little harder to glorify God with my actions. I know it's been a while since I've blogged...but here are my thoughts...
Far too often I seek God's blessings instead of seeking God. I seek His hand instead of His heart. Like a child with a long Christmas list, at times I run to my heavenly Father as if He's a celestial Wal-Mart purposed to satisfy my every want. Instead of leaning in to hear the whispered will of the Lord, I selfishly shout my will - my desires - my demands. I'd rather have relief from life-pressures than gain the strength to endure them and the lessons I'm intended to learn from them. When I'm desperate to fill my over-sized heart-cart with things that I think I need, I rob myself of what really matters: the pursuit of God and the blessings found in Him alone.
Why do we desire God's intervention in our lives more than His presence? Why do we think that we know what we need? It's so arrogant of us to tell God how to be God. Isn't that what we do when we stomp our feet before His throne and whine about all the things that need fixing instead of praising Him for the strength He graciously gives us to endure? While we're certainly encouraged by Scripture to make our requests known to the Father (Philippians 4:6), the highest calling on our lives is to love God with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds (Matthew 22:37). What really matters is seeking God and seeking Him first.
God knows that our selfish and demanding hearts bring loads of unnecessary anxiety to our days. His Word gives an amazing solution to our priority problem. He promises that when we chase His heart, we can relax and rest in His peace. Our needs will be met because He loves us.
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'what will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:30-34, NLT)
The Message version of the Bible says it like this:
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, and do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes" (Matthew 6:30-34, MSG).
So, my goal for this new year, is to set my list of wants aside and seek God. I want to strive to go before Him with a heart or worship and adoration. I WANT to GET LOST in His presence. Remember His mercy. Relish in His grace. Love Him. Seek Him. Pray. Put first things first.
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV).
Please know that I am not suggesting that I think we shouldn't go to God with our burdens. We must! But God wants my love before my list.
God loves me so much. His plan is perfect and His ways are mysterious. He knows my needs and He knows my desires. When I remember what really matters I can rest in the knowledge that He's working on my behalf, and in my best interest, to bring glory to Himself through my life.
Happy Referralversary!!
13 years ago
