Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10
Make me your focal point in your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. – Sarah Young
Scripture tells us that we are the apple of God’s eye but the question begs to be asked: is He the apple of ours? So many times, we find ourselves trying to orchestrate our own lives. What begins as a simple thought about next steps, quickly escalates into a full-scale analysis complete with pros, cons and alternatives. While this is certainly the human response to problem resolution, it is not God’s preference for us. God desires that we lean on Him completely. He knows that we crave feelings of security and safety. He wants us to come to Him so that He can satisfy our needs.
Relying solely on ourselves does two things. First it sets us up to fail. It is impossible for us to plan the course of our lives apart from the Father. We need his long range insights and His wisdom—without them, we’re doomed to a journey riddled with setbacks, confusion and immobility. Second, it places us at odds with the Father. Self-reliance separates us from the Lover of Our Souls in the same way that sin acts as a barrier between man and God. Self-reliance and pride go hand in hand and signifies to the Father that we do not trust Him. If self is involved, trust is not present.
Proverbs tell us plainly don’t consider yourself to be wise. When we are in need of support, answers or a spiritual hug, relying on the Father indicates our desire to trust Him. It demonstrates that even in the midst of adversity or tribulation, we can focus on God and His abilities rather than our short comings. The presence of problems in our lives serves as a gateway to the presence of God. It is an opportune time to celebrate God’s faithfulness, direction and love. God’s faithfulness, wisdom and guidance are celebrated and discussed in the Talmud and in the Torah.
We do not have to be afraid for the God of Love and Power is walking beside us. He promises to strengthen us, to help us and most importantly, to hold us as we walk through life’s fiery furnace. With God, fear dissipates, worry flees and hope prevails. He is our strong tower and refuge.
Life will not always feel predictable, comfortable or easy. The only constant in life is change. By making the Father our focal point, we rely less on self and more on Him—just the way it should be. We rely on His strength.
Make me your focal point in your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. – Sarah Young
Scripture tells us that we are the apple of God’s eye but the question begs to be asked: is He the apple of ours? So many times, we find ourselves trying to orchestrate our own lives. What begins as a simple thought about next steps, quickly escalates into a full-scale analysis complete with pros, cons and alternatives. While this is certainly the human response to problem resolution, it is not God’s preference for us. God desires that we lean on Him completely. He knows that we crave feelings of security and safety. He wants us to come to Him so that He can satisfy our needs.
Relying solely on ourselves does two things. First it sets us up to fail. It is impossible for us to plan the course of our lives apart from the Father. We need his long range insights and His wisdom—without them, we’re doomed to a journey riddled with setbacks, confusion and immobility. Second, it places us at odds with the Father. Self-reliance separates us from the Lover of Our Souls in the same way that sin acts as a barrier between man and God. Self-reliance and pride go hand in hand and signifies to the Father that we do not trust Him. If self is involved, trust is not present.
Proverbs tell us plainly don’t consider yourself to be wise. When we are in need of support, answers or a spiritual hug, relying on the Father indicates our desire to trust Him. It demonstrates that even in the midst of adversity or tribulation, we can focus on God and His abilities rather than our short comings. The presence of problems in our lives serves as a gateway to the presence of God. It is an opportune time to celebrate God’s faithfulness, direction and love. God’s faithfulness, wisdom and guidance are celebrated and discussed in the Talmud and in the Torah.
We do not have to be afraid for the God of Love and Power is walking beside us. He promises to strengthen us, to help us and most importantly, to hold us as we walk through life’s fiery furnace. With God, fear dissipates, worry flees and hope prevails. He is our strong tower and refuge.
Life will not always feel predictable, comfortable or easy. The only constant in life is change. By making the Father our focal point, we rely less on self and more on Him—just the way it should be. We rely on His strength.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
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