The only striving the Bible suggests that we partake in is to “strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24), to “always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16), and to “strive together in prayers to God” (Romans 15:30).
There is no other
striving needed in our life once we come into the presence of the Lord. We
cease from our labors and enter into the true Sabbath rest of God (Hebrews
13:5).
If we "grab" or
strive for more out of life, because of discontentment with what we have, God
will withhold it from us - protecting us from the human penchant to set our
affections on things pertaining to this earth.
However, when we sit
contentedly at His feet, ready to receive whatever He thinks is best for us, God
gives us all good things to enjoy. Our wants diminish, and having less makes us
happier than acquiring more.
On the other hand, God
may give us what we want, until we realize that the more we possess, the more
it owns us. These physical assets are more responsibility without that much
advantage.
Soon the obligation
outweighs the benefit we were looking for in the first place. We grow tired of
all the stuff and the duties they require; but we are stuck in the whirlwind we
created - going around in circles and growing more desperate each day.
Once we realize that
Jesus is all we really need, we grow more intimate with Him daily. We shed the
shroud of material possessions and get off the treadmill of life. We stop
striving and straining, and start enjoying His presence, His people, His
provision and His blessings.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us
that walking in the center of Your will is the happiest place on earth. Draw us
ever closer to Your presence in our life until You fill us to overflowing
(Ephesians 3:16-19, Amplified Bible). Our relationship to You as our Redeemer,
Friend, Savior and Brother draws us to spend more time seeking Your Kingdom
than building our own.
Remind us that our right
standing with You was accomplished by Jesus on the cross, and there is no
striving needed on our part to fulfill Your will for our life. We do not work
for or strain for a position in Your family, because You adopted us with all of
the rights and privileges You gave to Your firstborn Son.
Thought for the Day:
When we realize that God
has a preordained design for our life, we walk in it (Ephesians 2:10); and His
peace floods our thoughts, emotions and plans, allowing us to realize that He
gives us all good things to enjoy.
