The Never Ending Gifts

Come on, Kris, it’s 8:30. You’ve got to get yourself out of bed and get something done today. I pulled back the covers and slid my feet to the floor. But instead of heading to my usual shower, I turned right into the living room, plopped down on the sofa, and opened my Bible to Psalm 81.

“Sing for joy…” Yeah, yeah, I know. Still trying.

Then my eyes locked in on the end of the first line.

Now I saw it…God didn’t command us to sing for joy about just anything, he said to sing for joy to God, who is our strength. I could sure use some strength. After running for months, I was emotionally worn out.

Okay, that’s it. I’m done trying to run my life in my own strength. Jesus, you take the lead.

I imagined a tandem bike with Jesus steering and pedaling, and me on the back seat just pedaling a bit.

I’d heard this illustration before, but this time I saw how to apply it to my life.

If I was really going to let Jesus lead, I needed to let go of my agendas and desired outcomes. Was I willing to trust God to lead me into and through whatever situations he thought were best? Did I believe God had good things in store for me? Did I believe that God would work even the hard situations he would lead me through to my good?

My heart raced. I felt like I was on the edge of a steep ski slope looking down toward the lodge. Should I take the plunge?

Yes, I wanted to try.

I thought of all the things on my agenda for the next weeks and months, and one by one let go of my idea of how they should turn out. I really did want God to direct everything.

As I turned each area over to God, I felt a weight lift and at the same time felt empowered to move forward with him.

I would take this step of faith and see if I could find joy in God’s strength.

And I’ll continue reading Psalm 81 each day until the truth of God’s joy sinks in.

photos courtesy of Crestock