Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. – John 14:27
There’s a cartoon I think of from time to time because it reminds me of my relationship with God…
A man is driving around a very crowded parking lot looking for an open space. He cries out to God, “God, if you help me find a space I will commit my life to you.” Just then a parking spot becomes available to the man. As he pulls into the spot he says “never mind God, I got it”.
How often do I cry out to God when I need something, then walk away from Him when I think I’ve got it covered, when I think I’m all set?
I was reading over my past blogs today. And what struck me was how much progress I seemed to have been making during the Lent season when my focus was on God. Then as soon as Easter came and went so did my focus on Him. And I find I am struggling with some old issues, some old weaknesses and temptations.
It’s funny how I resist devoting my life to God for good. I resist the idea that I need God, that I should humble myself to this unseen power because He is in control. I can do it for a time, for a season, but once things get back on track…”thanks God, I’ll take over from here.”
Why do I view it as a weakness to admit that I need God in my life?
Somehow, it’s ok to need a drink, or need caffeine, or need chocolate. But to need God? No, it’s much easier to blame God for the fact that I need a drink, caffeine and chocolate. In fact, it’s much easier to blame God for just about everything that I’m unhappy about.
But the truth is I do need God. My life looks different when I put Him first. It’s just that it’s hard to remember to put Him first. It’s hard to live a life that honors God when I have my own agenda. It’s hard to say “thy will be done” rather than “my will be done.”
But I’m convinced it is the only path to peace…not necessarily happiness, which is temporary and fleeting, but peace. Long and lasting peace.
I like that idea of openly talking about needing God just as we need caffine, food etc. My life also looks so different when I put him first, yet, why do I keep putting myself back on the throne?
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