“TO LIVE in GOD’S Presence consistently, you must expose and expel your rebellious tendencies. When something interferes with your plans or desires, you tend to resent the interference. Try to become aware of each resentment, however petty it may seem. Don’t push those unpleasant feelings down; instead, let them come to the surface where you can deal with them. Ask The LORD’S Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of resentful feelings. Bring them boldly into the Light of GOD’S Presence, so that The LORD can free you from them. The ultimate solution to rebellious tendencies is submission to GOD’S authority over you. Intellectually you rejoice in GOD’S sovereignty, without which the world would be a terrifying place. But when GOD’S sovereign will encroaches on your little domain of control, you often react with telltale resentment. The best response to losses or thwarted hopes is praise: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things—your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time—are gifts from The LORD. Instead of feeling entitled to all these blessings, respond to them with gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything GOD takes from you, but never let go of GOD’S hand!” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. PSALM 139 : 23 – 24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 PETER 5 : 6
And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” JOB 1 : 21 (NKJV)
Prayer: Lord help me not to hold onto anything tighter than I hold onto you. Not my spouse, not my kids, not my work, not my financial security, only you. You know what is best and I trust you. If you take something away that’s dear to me I may cry out to you, but I trust you and I will praise you for your goodness regardless. In Jesus’ name. Amen.