Today in “Jesus Calling” Sarah says, “Discipline your
thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your life.” I don’t know about you,
but there are times when I find this a struggle, especially when situations
press in over a period of time for which I have no answer. In my mind I know without
any doubt that God knows exactly what is going on, that He doesn't go on
vacation or take a break, and that He is immensely faithful. I know that He
loves me and my family deeply and He is concerned over those things which I am
concerned about. I know that He sees far more clearly and He knows the outcomes
exactly. And I also know that He makes it so that I can endure whatever test or
trial that He allows through His filter into my life, making me even able to
combat the temptations of my heart.
Yet in these times my heart yearns for a solution or
resolution to whatever is pressing in, and I want to say “But God?” My heart
desires answers, and then in my mind I start to work out solutions. And when I
try to work out those solutions in my own mind I find that I can get frustrated
by my apparent lack of answers or dissatisfaction over my lack of a solution.
This does not mean that I can’t figure things out apart from sitting down and
praying, but it does mean in those times when stuff gets heavy and I tell myself
that I have to carry the load that I often sense at some point my inadequacy to
do so. In many ways I can be thankful for this, for it is most often here that
my mind comes back to God, and I admit that my life is intended to live in
dependence on God and in submission to His direction. It is here that I find my
heart begins to come around and peace settles back in.
Paul talks about an aspect of this struggle in relation to
the desires of the flesh in Romans chapter 7:14-25, and then continues with
some powerful truths pertaining to the ability to live victoriously in Christ
in chapter 8 of which I will only include a few verses. But I would encourage
you to open your Bible and read the whole thing.
Romans 8:1-2 Therefore
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of
death.
Romans 8:6 For
the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and
peace,
Romans 8:11 But
if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who
raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:14-18 For
all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not
received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a
spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself
testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God
and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we
may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be
revealed to us.
Romans 8:26-28 In
the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray
as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings
too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God
causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:37-39 But
in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other
created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
These verses are an incredible reminder of the truth that
God is involved in our lives to make it so that we can live victoriously for
Him despite the battles that might wage in our hearts and minds. He is powerful
over them, and He makes us able.
In Philippians 4:6-7 we read, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to
God. And
the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we approach God in prayer, knowing that we have confident
access to Him through the power of His Son—Jesus Christ, and that the Spirit of
God—the Holy Spirit—is active in those prayers, we know that the God who
created heaven and earth and who holds the entirety of it under His control is
our God and that He hears our prayers and will answer them. And in that I can
bring my heart and mind together and keep trusting for the next step.
Today He reminded
Robin and I of this in a couple of very tangible ways, and in this we give Him
praise.
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (7/2)
Let Me show you My way for you this day. I guide you
continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present. Living well
is both a discipline and an art. Concentrate on staying close to Me, the divine
Artist. Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your life.
Pray about everything; then, leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for
through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into
the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I
pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my
requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:2-3
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, “Destroy
him!” Deuteronomy 33:27
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