We
cannot save or sanctify our self, and neither can we walk in the Spirit by performing
works of the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, God causes us
to come to the point of helpless hopelessness in our life, so that we will
totally surrender to Him.
Then,
He does it all, a complete perfecting work in us and through us (Colossians
2:10). Our role is to desire more intimacy with Him and His glory, and He
responds by answering our prayers in amazing ways.
We
live a life singing continual praises, submitted to His Word, listening to His
Spirit's direction for each moment of our day, and rejoicing in Him, even in
negative circumstances. Then, He does the rest (Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians
3:1, 4:4).
We
read and meditate on scripture as we work and worship Him all day long; and His
joy fills every fiber of our body, soul and spirit; bringing health in every
way (Psalm 147:1).
A
melancholy personality like me has to work a bit harder at overcoming the
negative impulses in our soul; but gradually, the Holy Spirit replaces our
negative personality traits with God's character and divine nature (2 Peter
4:1; John 15:11).
God
transforms us into the likeness of Christ and brings us to the point of total
surrender, until we are in such union with Him that He actually lives His life
in and through us (Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20).
Like
the woman at the well, we are tired of looking for fulfillment in the things of
this world; and we are longing for living water, which quenches our otherwise
insatiable thirst (John 4:14, 7:38).
Prayer:
Father
God, draw us by Your love and remind us to respond to it, rather than learning
through discipline and suffering. Help us to come to the point where we
passionately call out to You in complete surrender. We know without a doubt
that You will never, ever let us go (Hebrews 13:5).
Help
us to communicate to others the necessity of total surrender to You, so that
they too may come to a place of rest. Do not allow them to continue to strive
or to fill their life with empty pursuits and vain attempts to amass this
world's goods; but to seek You with all of their heart until they find You.
Thought
for the Day:
The
joy of the Lord is our greatest strength. - Nehemiah 8:10
