I used to find comfort in my ability to figure things out. I organized and mapped and planned.
But then life’s complexities continually complicated the plans. It took a few decades but eventually I figured out how much I could not figure out. Things never go as planned. Friends and family react differently than I expect. Bodies get sick. Stuff breaks. Misunderstandings abound. Storms rage.
Oh my… I have discovered how incredibly much I do not know about the world and its people.
By God’s grace and presence, I am somehow not curled up in a little ball on my bedroom floor. I have discovered a much better source for contentment. My peace no longer depends on my capabilities nor my mental acumen. It emerges through dependence on something more than myself. My reliance rests in the Lord Almighty. The Creator. The Holy One.
The God whose ways are beyond my comprehension, in Him I rest.
The God whose plans materialize when I think all is lost, in Him I am found.
The God whose purposes extend beyond my lifetime, in Him I discover purpose.
As I recognize more of God’s holiness, the faith He inspires in me matures.
Old Testament Travels
Recently I have been journeying through the first few books of the Bible. More than ever before, I’m struck how God’s holiness is woven tightly with the faithfulness of His people.
The lives of the biblical patriarchs highlight the importance of faith. Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac had crises and struggles, however, they were centered on God Almighty. Holiness. When they fell prey to sin, it was most often the result of personal problem solving. Abraham’s dealings with Egypt’s Pharaoh (Genesis 12:10-20) and Jacob’s search for a wife reveal their ongoing struggle with self-reliance. I see myself in their actions.
God is holy. By His invitation, though, He calls us into His presence. He called Moses, a murderer, to be His voice. When Moses approached the burning phone (bush), God instructed him to remove his sandals. “…the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). Our finite minds wrestle to fathom the glory and holiness of God.
In the stories of the patriarchs, I see how God desires a living faith in each of us. As I hold firmly to His promises, my life becomes increasingly centered on Him. I make mistakes. And yet, in the process I gain experience and mature my tiny, mustard-seed faith. Each day I commit to Him and try again. I re-enter the journey because I have come to recognize His holiness.
More Holiness, Less of Me
The nearer I draw to the Lord Almighty, the more I am in awe of His greatness! I feel the need to respond to His holy character by setting myself apart unto God. I need to remove my sandals but I cannot. When finally the sandals come off, it is not out of my own strength but through the incarnational work of Jesus and in the power of His Holy Spirit.
God’s revelation through the Word, through the Holy Spirit, and in creation draws response. In awe of His majesty, we become attuned to His efforts around us. Peace floods my soul as I recognize God at work. My response is to seek Him further. My personal solutions pale to the divine plans He has set.
Rest. Finally, blessed rest.
I rejoice in releasing control.
Now I find comfort in my inability. Less of me means more of Him.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
Posted by Sharon R Hoover
Sorta got your feeling when we were planning our family get- together. You are definitely the peace maker of our family. Love, Mother
I’m so grateful for the times when we can all get together! Love you, Mom! :)