Let’s Dance: Leading My Thoughts – Friday
Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (NIV)
We’ve talked this week about the battle for the mind. Yesterday, we suggested that stillness is a helpful way to win that battle. I don’t have any meaningful relationships that happened in a hurry, including my relationship with God. We don’t really get to know someone by making quick visits.
I was driving through the countryside a while ago on my way to an appointment in Lincoln County. I was trying to talk on my cell phone, but the signal was intermittent at best. They’d say, “What was that? You cut out on me.” Then it got better, and then worse again. Finally, my friend said, “Gary, could you just stop right where you're at so we can hear each other?” That turned out to be a great prescription for a very important conversation.
I think God asks the same of us sometimes. He says, “Would you just stop so we can talk?” I suspect that we often run past much more than we catch up with. I tend to hear more (and better) from God when I’ve surrendered my will in advance by faith.
Remember that old TV show where there were three doors and prizes behind each one, but you could only choose a door, not a prize. Thus, you simply made a decision and accepted the consequences. My friend, that’s life! It’s also a good description of Biblical faith. Will you trust Him regardless, in advance?! Would you say “yes” without knowing the results?
He loves to speak to people who approach Him on those terms. He loves to reward faith. It reminds me of that old church hymn, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” I believe that; how about you?
Obedience is the key that unlocks the door to understanding, and confidence is the assurance that what you believe is true. It’s hearing what God is saying and then obeying. It’s seeing where God is leading, then following. And it’s knowing that anything within the scope of His will is doable for the glory of Christ.
Friday’s Reflection
Pray this with me: “Father, we all face difficulties that seem to be dead ends. Then suddenly, You make a way. Please supernaturally strengthen our faith. Please pour your Holy Spirit into someone reading this today. And if he/she asks, “Is this from You, God? Would you smile and say, “Oh yes. Oh yes. Oh yes! And I’ll be with you all the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
