Cease Striving by Lane Jordan Burday
Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10, NASB).
I have had one of those weeks where everything frustrates me, and it doesn’t seem like I’m doing anything productive. You know what I mean, I’m sure: switching out the heavy blankets for summer-weight ones on my bed; lots of washing; workmen coming to the house, but then what they try to fix does not work, etc…
Today, I read the verse above and wanted to share it with you. Most people know the NIV version, which says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). So when I read this version that says, “Cease striving,” it hit a nerve. Yes! God wants us not to strive but to rest in Him each hour of every day as we plod along doing what seems like unimportant tasks.
But nothing we do within God’s will is unimportant! I love that God already has a plan for you and me as to what we are to do in this life. And if we mess up, it won’t mess up God’s plan! He has us in His hands and keeps us on the path of life that’s best for us. His Plan A never changes! All we have to do is give Him our lives and surrender to having Jesus come into our lives.
Are you changing diapers on a baby or an adult with dementia? Are you cooking, washing, and cleaning just to do it again? Are you also frustrated?
I remember reading a book about a monk living in the Middle Ages who prayed with every action he took. As he washed dishes, he thanked God for the water, soap, and dishes he was washing. As he peeled potatoes, he thanked God for the food.
And I realized that when we focus on God rather than our problems, we can rest in Him and stop striving. What a blessing!
I love the song that says to put our eyes on Jesus, and the things on earth will grow strangely dim. I hope this week you will be able to take time to be with the Lord, pray to Him about all your troubles and problems, and remember to thank Him for filling your life with the sweet aroma of His Holy Spirit, giving you peace, joy, love, and patience.
And to realize, like I have been sharing, that striving does nothing but get me upset! I will focus on God and God alone.
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We’d love to share a treasure chest full of inspirational devotions with you! Our latest devotional book, Treasure, won the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) Golden Scroll Award for “Devotional book of the Year!” It was also named the “Best Christian Non-Fiction Book” by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. If you have not purchased Treasure, it is not too late. Lane Jordan Burday and Lisa Burkhardt Worley, along with the POP Team, combined their talents to write the book, which is full of wonderful inspiration. You will be inspired by the messages, and receive daily treasure as God will speak to you through His Holy Spirit. To buy Treasure just click on the Amazon link that takes you directly to the page and check out our new e-book. https://tinyurl.com/2uj9sn5x.