Needing Any Help, Lord?
By Sue Donaldson
I keep thinking God needs my help.
I mean, I must think that. Why else would I open my mouth (just a little)
one more time (just in case . . .)
to expedite things (just a bit . . .)?
You’ve heard of the spiritual disciplines – meditating, fasting, praying, etc. I think the hardest discipline is: TRUSTING (without offering my help.)
It takes discipline for me to trust God. To give Him that which bothers me, hurts me, worries me.
I can whip out that familiar childhood verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6) But the words can glide right past my tongue and miss my heart altogether. After all, the verse must really say: “Trust in the Lord and then help Him out a little and then He will make it all come out just the way we wanted . . .” – right?
Who am I trusting . . .
. . .when I fret? (What if she never gets a job? a husband? a house?)
. . .when I nag? (I’ll just mention this one more time to Mark, just in case he didn’t quite get it.)
. . .when I care about what others are thinking? (Let me set her straight on this and then she’ll finally understand me.)
. . .when I stew? (I’ll figure out what’s best for her and then let her know—in a loving way, of course.)
Who am I trusting? Let’s see. That would be me.
Fretting, worrying, stewing, defending, nagging does not equal trusting the God of the universe or the Lord of my heart. I need His help--not the other way around.
Prayer for Tuesday (and everyday) ~
“Lord God,
Thank You for Proverbs 3:5 and 6. You are trustworthy. I just forget.
Thank You for Your grace. I know You’ve forgiven me already.
When I stew and fret and worry and nag, may I remember You don’t need my help. You just want my heart, wholly leaning on You.
Trusting (in part, for now) and grateful (you don’t need my help.) Sue
