This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands… (1 Jn 5:2).
When I was growing up I wanted to do everything I could to make my parents proud of me. That meant I worked hard and for the most part did my best to follow the rules they had set out for me. Although, at times, I didn’t understand them, at least when I was younger, I didn’t want to break those rules. Now, looking back I see the wisdom in their decision making. I see that they were actually protecting me from things I couldn’t see but they could. I see now that what they were teaching me through following their rules was actually extending their love to me in a real, tangible way. What they were giving me was better than any gift I could ever unwrap under the Christmas tree.
Friend, God’s commands are not burdensome. He can see things we can’t. He’s protecting us from the things He knows will cause us harm. In His divine wisdom He sees it all. That fence He’s putting up around your life is there because He loves you. Go ahead, sit down inside the pasture of His protection. Don’t go looking for ways to escape His presence. There’s territory outside of that pasture that will only cause you harm. I’m just saying that because I’m speaking from personal experience.
Yesterday I took notice of how hurried my mind felt. I’ve been noticing that more often. I get in my head and think that I must finish a certain task very quickly and become overwhelmed by the thought of it. This keeps me from enjoying the moment, being present with others and sitting with God in His pastures. I often wonder what life would be like if I truly learned the value of resting in Him.
I think many of us, myself included have done more wrestling with God than we have resting.
But God, Why me, not them? Why can’t I have this? Why won’t you let me do that? I’ve got to get this done now or…..
Truth be told many of my wrestling thoughts sound a whole lot like me arguing with my parents over their rules when I was a child. Maybe much of my problem isn’t God’s rules. It’s my childish faith that doesn’t always enjoy submitting to Him. You see, a child-like faith trusts the master. A childish one fights against Him Therefore, today I want to come to Him, knowing that His love for me is so very good. There truly is joy found in submission to His ways when we learn to let go of ourselves and take up His life. After all, we find that in His pasture there is great delight for our souls as we learn to sit with the masters in the depth of His promises for our lives.
Lord Jesus, you are my eternal hope and joy. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my safe place. Truly, you are such a good Father. If there are areas where I’m not submitting myself to you, please show me. I want to walk in your truth, in Jesus name, Amen.
Heather Quiroz 