(The above picture is my six-year-old daughter increasing her coloring power by eight-fold)
From strife to peace, through confession and surrender
Okay, I have to admit it’s a funny picture, but it’s also a representation of what I try to do. I’m a doer and don’t idle well, as my friend always says. Somehow, I think if I just get up early and never stop moving, everything will get done. It’s all about the tasks I cross off, not living in restful peace with God’s plan for me.
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2 ESV)
Why am I running around doing it all? I think there are several reasons. I will confess them here. Number one, if I stop I will have to look at the hard changes that are in my life right now. Number two, I get an emotional reward by crossing things off my list. Number three, I like the praise I get from my family when things move smoothly. Number four, I think I’m working for the Lord.
The last one I really need to look at. He’s highlighting this one for me to confess and address. The reason I know I’m not whole-heartedly working for the Lord is I’m not at peace. Portions of my writing and even my prayer obligations feel more like anxious strife than peaceful surrender. I don’t know how to get from strife to peace, but I know confession and surrender are vital portions on the path to wholeness with the Lord.
Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal the places that need His wisdom and peace. He is more than able to heal each individual hurt. Confess your wrong thinking to receive His mighty rest.
“Give me your heart, my son,
And let your eyes delight in my ways.” (Proverbs 23:26, NASB)
Prayer for you and me:
Lord Jesus, we confess we operate from strife and desire to control instead of surrender and peace. Teach us to dwell in peace all the moments of our lives. Release us from our self-inflicted bondage. Restore to us our identity rooted in Christ alone. Help us lay down our futile toiling to receive Your greater plan. Take us from strife to peace, through confession and surrender. Thank You, Jesus. Your will and not our own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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