Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5
Do you need a little tender loving care?
I do.
My word for this year has me on quite a journey. As unexpected as could be, but I am learning to walk by faith, and even release my grip along the way. I didn’t think I was one who “clings” or holds on to things. But there are many ways we can carry bags on our journey that God desires for us to release. This is the journey I have found myself on this year. I think I so often get a glimpse of direction from God but either due to fear, doubt or lack of faith which manifests itself this way in my attitude: I do not see myself in this way, therefore this direction can’t be the right one. I must be confused ie. double-minded, prideful, selfish (exchange/add any of these, it all comes down to the same thing). The fact is I am either trusting in myself or trusting in God.
Trust: The battle belongs to the Lord, as does the journey. From start to finish He is the author and Finisher, the Beginning and the End. Why is it I don’t trust Him for the “in-between”? I am learning again in this battle of wills, losing IS winning. Certainly also less painful, if I trust Him at the onset as opposed to having the mallet drop on the head to get my attention. So how do I trust Him when I can’t see clearly the path ahead? This requires me to listen…
Lean: Inclining my ear to listen for His voice is the only way I can hear His will. Does He speak to me in an audible voice? Well actually as I incline my ear by reading Scripture, His Spirit does speak by revealing Truth to my ready to receive heart. If I never open my Bible, I am going to be hard-pressed to hear clearly from the God who calls Himself the Logos or “Word”: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Acknowledge:
The online Dictionary defines the term acknowledge as this: to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: to acknowledge one’s mistakes. Sometimes I am thick in the head. Slow to learn. Like Israel, I am wandering in the desert complaining, when is all God wants from me is to acknowledge Him, which means acknowledging my own fears, doubts and lack of faith. It means admitting that I am afraid His way might not be the best way. Not that I admit it out loud but instead it becomes obvious in specific ways and behaviors. I rely on my own understanding and am hoarding rotten manna, complaining as it melts before my eyes in the hot sun. Trusting Him leads to peace, leaning on my own understanding and ingenuity leads to frustration. Or worse.
Commit: So my journey leads me again to decision. Last year with the word
Less, I committed myself to learn what Jesus would have for me as I learned what it meant for Him to increase, be more in me, in my life as I willingly decreased. (John 3:30) Sounds so against the cultural messages of the day, yes? This year God is taking me further into the same message as He conforms me. Sometimes I don’t recognize I am resisting His will right away, but I am committed to His correction, discipline and confident that He will direct this stubborn, old mule. I have learned to trust His faithfulness.
My One Word is Release and I am a on a journey to the Promised Land…just passing through this life, friends, learning to follow the Savior. Join me? I am picking up some stones and releasing some others along the way. I am learning what it means to let go of my will in exchange for a far greater thing. His glory! But I am a slow learner, in need of much grace. He gives it abundantly, and as I receive, I am able to lavish it on others.
Proverbs 3:5-6
So here I have taken this passage which God keeps gently leading me to this year and am sharing it a few translations, with the hope it will seep right into my heart and soul. My brain is fairly leaky so this should be no problem. Perhaps you might also appreciate looking at the same passage with fresh eyes.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
(Amplified)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
(NKJV)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
(The Message)
Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely;
never depend upon your own ideas and inventions.
Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish,
and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead.
(The Voice)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.
(HCSB)
Linking up with Melanie at
Only a Breath for the One Word Monthly Link Up!
P.S. Mel also made my One Word Button!
