When it comes to following Jesus, each of us must surrender control to God. Why? Because we get in trouble when we sometimes stick our nose in matters in which we have no right. As Eugene Peterson writes, “That’s God’s Business.” I’m quoting him here because what he said is vital for both my life and yours. First, read his paraphrase of Psalm 131:1 which is eye-opening in itself—"GOD, I’m not trying to rule the roost, . . . I haven’t meddled where I have no business.” (THE MESSAGE). Then he explains it this way:
I will not try to run my own life or the lives of others; that is God’s business. I will not pretend to invent the meaning of the universe; I will accept what God has shown its meaning to be. I will not strut about demanding that I be treated as the center of my family or my neighborhood or my work, but seek to discover where I fit and do what I am good at. The soul, clamoring for attention and arrogantly parading it’s importance, is calmed and quieted so that it can be itself, truly. (A Long Obedience in the Same Direction).
Please read that again, several times if need be. This is very wise. And convicting, isn’t it?! Our best recourse is to ask forgiveness for wanting what we shouldn’t, what isn’t ours. We must confess to trying to wrestle away from God that which belongs to him alone. When we do this (and do this daily!) we find true rest and we are most ourselves. God help us!
Through Christ,
Pastor Dave Nelson
