No one is good, except the Lord (Romans
3:10). As we stop trying to be good and realize that we are already dead,
and hidden with Christ in God (Colossian 3:3), we find rest for our soul. It is
time to stop trying to perfect our self like the foolish Galatians (Galatians
3:1-3). We are not required to strive to please God; but instead,
He asks us to enter His rest (Hebrews 4:10). We no longer use our energies
or concern our self with gaining this world’s goods, because they will soon
fade in the light of eternity.
Faith in the triune presence of God within us brings with
it the anointing of God’s Spirit. We completely yield to His will and receive
His direction and comfort through each moment of our day. He gives us victory
over the deceitfulness of the devil, the temptation of sin and the pull of the
world over our life. We are crucified with Christ, and He now lives His life
through us, instead of us. We do not hinder Him by our unbelief, but we live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loves us and willingly gave Himself for us (John
3:18; Galatians 2:20).
God desires a deeper, personal relationship with us. When
we surrender all to God, He works in our life to perfect us, until we reflect
the image of His Son (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is only at the foot
of the throne of God that we receive His full supply for all of our needs. He
fills us with His Spirit and we abide in Christ’s presence throughout our
lifetime (John 15:4). He calls us to be kings and priests and to serve
Him (Revelation 1:6). As we focus on Christ alone, we live in
righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17).
As we sit in quiet contemplation of who God is and all that
He does for us, we enter into the restful peace of the Lord (Isaiah
30:15; Psalm 60:1). We wait patiently for Him in the silence (Psalm
77:7). In the stillness, we find our confidence and strength in Him (Isaiah
30:15). The tranquil soul is more aware of abiding in Christ. We
live as one with Christ in us, which brings us extreme joy. Our relationship
with God is not a partnership where we share duties, but a place of resting in
God.
We cease from our own labors and do only those things,
which we see our Father do (Hebrews 4:10; John 5:19). We are
pliable instruments in our Father’s hand. The faith of the Son of God, who
loves us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20), assures
us that God will complete the work He started in our life (Hebrews
12:2). We adopt a teachable attitude, and we walk in humility. In the
acquiescence of worship, God reveals Himself to us and presents to us a
multitude of blessings.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is in the quiet times, as we sit at Your
feet, that we hear your still, small voice. If we are rushing around working
for You, we do not stand a chance of hearing the direction of Your Spirit.
Thank You for teaching us to abide in the Vine, so that Your spiritual fruit
will flow into us from Christ. We lay down our own agenda for our life, and we
surrender to Your will and ways.
Thought for the Day:
Without Christ, we are empty, helpless and alone in our attempts to reach God.
