"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

12.10.2010

Second Friday of Advent



Advent Reading

Psalm 1; Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19

"If you had listened....." 
When I don't follow God's leading I miss the fullness of what was given. Why do I find it so hard to follow God's ways? Why do I struggle with the same sins over and over? Do you ever ask these questions?

I had a light bulb moment several years ago. Though it changed the way I think and approach my relationship with God, and in doing so it has freed me ever so much, I still struggle in the growing process..

"Willpower, determination and discipline are not enough in Christ-following. The close interconnection of will and desire means that if Christ is to have our will, he must first have my heart. Learning to desire God's will is not something we can accomplish by resolve and willpower.  It occurs only when we live so close to God's heart that the rhythm of our own heartbeat comes to reflect the divine pulse."

"Surrendering to God's will makes little sense if we are not first convinced of the depths of God's love for us. But surrender is far from complete and we have yet to unwrap the gift of our true-self-in-Christ until we are fully convinced of the absolute trustworthiness of God's will. Learning to prefer God's way to ours and discovering our identity and fulfillment in God's kingdom way demands that we know Love, deeply and personally. Only then will it be possible to choose God with the totality of our being, not just our will. The problem is that when we approach the task of choosing anything other than our own self and its immediate gratification, most of us automatically turn to willpower and resolve. Choosing God then becomes more a matter of grim determination than joyful surrender - closer to deciding to cut back on eating enjoyable foods than to follow our heart to the Source of abundant life."  (words in quotations are from David Benner, Desiring God's Will)

Do I ,  really believe God is good? That he has my best at heart? That his way is best? Do you?  Or do I sometimes believe as Eve did that God is holding out on me, keeping something good from me? Do I trust him enough to surrender my way for his and to follow his path? More than I did last year, but there is still a journey ahead of me. As I come to know him more deeply it is easier to trust.  

"I am  God, your God who teaches you how to live right and well.  I show you what to do, where to go.
Isaiah 48:17

Present tense

LORD, you offer to lead us, to show us what to do, where to go. And it is a good way.  As we draw near to you this season may our hearts be changed. May we grow in our trust of you, may we know your leading is good and trustworthy. You who gave everything to make the restoration and healing of our hearts possible, thank you. Thank you for the gift you so freely offer, thank you for totally accepting us where we are, thank you for continuing to draw us, thank you for your leading and guidance. Thank you!

Amen

3 comments:

Anita said...

Oh, this is so good...it really does come down this...believing that God has my best interest and loves me. I have these very deep fears that God won't come through in a pinch...but that has to do with wanting my will to be done. This past year our business went under along with many others in our area. The value of our home is 1/3 of what it was 2 years ago. I find my entire prayer life has become HELP ME and reacting out of fear instead of gratitude and trust. We have everything we need and more. We are so blessed...Today I am going to begin looking at my future as an adventure with someone who loves me and the best is yet to come.

Pom Pom said...

Mary,
Have you read The Imitation of Christ? You would LOVE it!

Nancy said...

It's definitely a process to get the will out of the way but He ever so gently keeps pulling at me until I surrender...and He's able to get a little chuck off and then we "dance" again until I give another little chip and off we go...Isn't it wonderful how patient and loving He is....

Thanks for your faithfulness in writing these each day. They are really making me think....and PRAY......

Love you dear friend.....