Jeremiah 17:5-8, This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.” But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” (NLT)
After a half-century of living and a decade and a half of “really believing” I can honestly say the best work I’ve ever done in my life was the work God did through me and the worst work I’ve ever done in my life was the work I did through me. I was reminded of this fact after reading the above scripture verse this morning.
Years ago, upon the suggestion of a fellow alcoholic, I began to turn all aspects of my life over to God one day at a time. This was not easy as there were some things I wanted to keep and “handle” myself. You may know what I’m talking about; “little things” like resentments, thoughts, gluttony, pity-pot parties, gossip, spending money and various other non-life threatening addictions. It was like “here God you can help me with the big things and I will take care of the little things.”
If we choose to handle “the little things” they eventually outgrow the “big things.” If we believe God is there to only help us with the “big things” then who do you think enjoys helping us with the “little things.” Would it be….satan? 🙂
Giving God part of us is simply “fence living.” It is living a double life. When we live this way God can only help us half the time and as I’ve said many times in the past, sitting on the fence is harmful to your crotch.
We are coming upon the New Year’s resolution time of year and if you are one of these who makes a resolution and never keeps it, try making a resolution to take God with you in all aspects of your life in 2012. Surrender your life to Him in the morning and throughout the day. A good check on how much you’ve giving God is to keep track of how much angst, anxiety and other fear-laden emotions you are dealing with. Every time you get into these emotions…turn your life back over. Turning all aspects of your life over to God doesn’t guarantee “challenge-free living.” But it will allow you to more easily navigate through the challenges of life and also keep the devil out of your life.
It isn’t that difficult. We simply need to understand “all means all” one day, hour or minute at a time.
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
