Leaving the cemetery after sitting for a while at my son’s
grave stone, the burden of my grief, anger and despair “that I couldn’t rescue
him” was overwhelming! I rehearsed again the sorrow of his Father’s Day passing
six years ago, leaving two young sons who adored him.
Listening to an afternoon
sermon on the way home came the reminder that ALL belongs to God, we are to
submit our emotions, our actions, our all
to Him. We are to “set our minds on things above and not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
Our human nature intrinsically balks at the
words obey and submit. We tend to hang these words on visions of dependence,
loss of freedom, loss of perceived control and perhaps, suffering. No matter
the intensity of our rebellion and insistence on “I will do it my way,” our
illusion of control would be comical if wasn’t destructive to ourselves, to others,
and to our relationship with God. We forget that where the Spirit of the Lord
is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
God’s “love language” is obedience. The word obey occurs more than 200 times in the
Bible. He asks us to give up our need for control and submit to His love, authority
and sovereignty. Obedience and submission don’t come easy. A humble posture is
often the result of loss, and a broken heart.
God’s design for us was not to rule ourselves. We were
formed to require authority, so that we can live in the safety of God’s careful
rule and loving kindness.
“Since God is
sovereign, not only is our time in His very capable hands, but our possessions
and all of the people we love or care about in this life belong to Him.
Releasing our rights to Him includes the deliberate submission of our grip on
everything and everyone. It is easy? Never. Although, I believe it may get
easier with time as we learn, or in some cases, if we learn. (Corrie
Ten Boom)
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