Surrendering to the Glory of God
Unfortunately, we spend much of our time trying to be God in our lives. At least I do. Wanting to be responsible, wanting to take care of myself and often wanting to take care of other people, leads to the third “wanting”--wanting to be in control. The disagreement in the Garden of Eden had to do with control—God said, but Adam and Eve also wanted to have their say, and the rest is history!
Being responsible, taking care of ourselves and each other and keeping ourselves under control can be good things in and of themselves. After all, God has created us to not only tend the earth but ourselves and others as well. The “fly in the ointment” comes when I want to be control of all things even, or I might say especially, God. Then I believe I will get what I want and have things my way. And I may get exactly that, but often what I get is not what I want!
Surrendering to God is not giving up being responsible, or giving away either my desire of my need to control myself. It is freeing myself into the care and direction of God. It is opening myself to hear his words for me—directly from him or through others speaking for him—helping me to monitor myself. Letting God be God and focusing on me being me is like putting oil on two wheels meant to run together. Surrender reduces friction and it prolongs wear. It opens up to me the beauty of the Serenity Prayer where I am what I am supposed to be and God is who God is supposed to be.
Listen to what he says, “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I do not need more. Do you?
Prayer:
Into your hands O God I surrender who I am for you to fashion out what I might be. Amen
Pastor Jerry
Next Week: "Exploring the Psalms"
