For most of my life I have thought if I just try harder, if I just do something differently. Although I often ask myself why is this so hard, that question began to work on me more so. I have been taught from a young age to work hard and I have constantly seen things happen as a result of this. I have also learned however, that in my freedom to choose a whole other world opens up to being convinced that I alone can reach any possible goal I set for myself.. Those words determination and persistence become my fuel and suddenly instead of resting in the peace that is offered, I am tired and exhausted. I had often been told the harder you try, the harder something is. There was this word, surrender. Knocking on my mind the last couple of weeks I began to wonder, why does that word have such a negative meaning in my mind. Like I am giving up or something or throwing in the towel. I have always been told do not give up. I do think there is much truth in not giving up. Not as we see it however or have been taught or learned. Not as we think it actually is. But how do I continue on and also give up. In searching the word and it's true meaning, I found that we all desire to be at a right place and that it is at that point at which everyone comes too at some point in their life, that they realize they cannot ever be where they desire to be, or live at peace and full of hope on their own. I need not elaborate because this is unique to each individual but everyone understands this as it applies to their life and knows exactly what this feels like. I am convinced the only active action we take is in the choice to surrender. So in not giving up we are given up. We in a sense really are surrendered. It is a result that occurs from a choice, and is the work that occurs when we allow that work to be done. That in and of itself may be the hardest thing we will ever do. The remainder of our life feeds off of that one choice we make. If it is hard, then it is not being done. To give up, essentially is to do nothing. Nothing is required on your part as would be considered effort. You'll know. The road will not be marked without turbulence, so do not use your ability to recognize pain as any indicator as to what is being done or how things actually are. You will only be deceived. All is always well. Remember that. All is always well.
As I begin this journey, I would like to share the words from each day with you in hopes that we all grow in love and encouragement for one another from the Author of Love. Please share your thoughts. It is my hope that you join in this walk, for we all have something to share and offer and bring to the forefront that will help in this walk. Each of us has something unique only to us, that will encourage someone else. Each of us has a purpose, when surrendered can be realized. Begin by asking in faith and believing. The rest will be done. No matter where the road leads, keep the white flag raised. It is my prayer you will find the truth that is in these daily post.
The words I will share are from a daily devotional entitled, "On the High Road of Surrender".
"Rejoice in Me always, for as you rejoice and give thanks, you release heaven’s treasures and shower upon your head the blessings of a delighted Father. Nothing so thoroughly delights a Father’s heart as the praises of His children.
For praise exercises the heart toward gratitude, and gratitude nurtures contentment, and you may know for certainty that no fruit ever appears on the tree of discontent.
So praise My children, and never cease in your praising, for in the midst of it I will manifest Myself, and you will understand that when I demand of you your praises it is for your highest good.
Out of praises come courage, faith, strength, optimism, clarity and peace. Out of praises come health and happiness and the soul satisfaction men seek in the world and do not find.
Praise will transform the humblest dwelling into a hallowed haven. It will light the countenance and make the plainest face beautiful. It is impossible for the man who has learned unceasing praise to be a failure. My blessing attends your path and My spirit rules your heart. He is eternally at peace with both God and man."
Alan, Thanks for the post. I was talking to my eight year old daughter about this very thing the other day. She said she was going to try to be nicer to her younger sister and I asked her, "Well, how do you know when you are being nicer or that you've been nice enough?" She or course looked at me very confused and then we talked about the "trying" we all get tied into and that there is never an end to. Ultimately we all hear and often times believe that lie if we just pray more, work more or try harder things will be better. That is the lie sent to us from the author of confusion to hide the truth and light of God's love and His commandment "Follow me." My eight year old got this message as best she could at her age, that "follow me" is the way to freedom and when she did her whole face lit up and freedom shined in 8 yr old eyes that already know that more trying on our own equals more failing and more condemnation. Your post reminded me once again, that this isn't a "Lena" problem, this is a human problem and that "follow me" is where we find the rest...
ReplyDeleteLena, You are welcome. Thanks for yours. when I was baptized 2 years ago, Marcia Hendrix gave me one of those little daily memo calendar tear offs for 2009 of the gospels. the last day of the year was the passage from John 10:27. I kept and posted it beside my computer at work. you are so right. I am reminded of how when Peter kept his eyes on Christ he stayed afloat as he was walking towards HIM. It always joys me when our kids see things so clearly and understand. Thank God. I pray they always will. I was reading the book I have been posting the devotionals from and I found one that goes right along with what your daughter discovered. I hope it roots in our hearts as it did hers. God be with you today!
ReplyDeleteCorrection...actually it is John 21:19
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