I was reading my devotional book this morning (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young), and today's devotional really made me think. Here's part of what it said:
"Secret things belong to the Lord, (direct quote from Deut. 29:29) and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.
Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go."
Worry is an act of rebellion?! I had never thought of it that way before, but it really is. Over and over the Bible tells me not to worry, to trust God, to cast all my cares on Him...so when I worry anyway, it's plain and simple rebellion. Ouch!!!
So does this mean I shouldn't have dreams for the future, shouldn't have goals and plans to accomplish those dreams? No, I don't think so, because "where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). But there is a world of difference between making plans and trying to "figure out" the future. I think I've been kind of doing both...which brought me to another realization. I don't very often truly trust God. For the most part, I "trust" Him and wait on Him only when there is no other option. That's not trust, it's resignation. God doesn't want me to just resign myself to His timing and will, but to truly trust Him.
Trust is "counting it all joy", whatever may come my way, because I know that "the trying of my faith worketh patience". It's letting "patience have her perfect work, that I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". (James 1:2-4) Trust results in peace and joy and a closer walk with God.
Resignation is saying, "Fine, God, since there is no other way, I'll wait for You to do something." It's pushing against the boundaries and searching for some "way out" (or "in", depending on what it is I want at the time :D). Resignation results in unrest, unhappiness, bitterness and a barrier between myself and God.
Hmmm...I'm thinking that trust sounds like a better way to live!!!
"Secret things belong to the Lord, (direct quote from Deut. 29:29) and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.
Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go."
Worry is an act of rebellion?! I had never thought of it that way before, but it really is. Over and over the Bible tells me not to worry, to trust God, to cast all my cares on Him...so when I worry anyway, it's plain and simple rebellion. Ouch!!!
So does this mean I shouldn't have dreams for the future, shouldn't have goals and plans to accomplish those dreams? No, I don't think so, because "where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). But there is a world of difference between making plans and trying to "figure out" the future. I think I've been kind of doing both...which brought me to another realization. I don't very often truly trust God. For the most part, I "trust" Him and wait on Him only when there is no other option. That's not trust, it's resignation. God doesn't want me to just resign myself to His timing and will, but to truly trust Him.
Trust is "counting it all joy", whatever may come my way, because I know that "the trying of my faith worketh patience". It's letting "patience have her perfect work, that I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". (James 1:2-4) Trust results in peace and joy and a closer walk with God.
Resignation is saying, "Fine, God, since there is no other way, I'll wait for You to do something." It's pushing against the boundaries and searching for some "way out" (or "in", depending on what it is I want at the time :D). Resignation results in unrest, unhappiness, bitterness and a barrier between myself and God.
Hmmm...I'm thinking that trust sounds like a better way to live!!!
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