LORD OF MY LIFE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’” Genesis 11:4, ESV
Theme: The desire for fame, for legacy, and purpose is human. The desire to take the place of God started in the Garden and continues to this day.
MOMMY, WATCH!
I can’t tell you how many times I heard this phrase as my children were growing up. “Mommy, watch!” Diving in the pool, doing a summersault, bouncing a basketball, or jumping rope. WATCH! While kids generally crave attention, there is more to it. They also want validation. They are proud of whatever they are doing and desire acknowledgement and even encouragement.
As adults, we are not all that dissimilar. Maybe we aren’t as overt as children in seeking attention, but we love to hear that we’ve done a good job, or that someone has noticed our efforts. Don’t believe me? Finish that big task that’s been on your “honey-do” list for a month and let me know how you feel if nobody notices.
Whether we care to admit it or not, we all have a bit of self-promotion in us. It feels good to be good at something, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ve never aspired to be a world-famous actor, entertainer, or athlete but in your sphere of influence, you may beam a little bit when someone acknowledges your contribution. With success, over time, we begin to think we’re the masters of our own universe. We become proud and our place in this life is seemingly solidified by our contributions.
I KNOW BEST
With 50 years under my belt, I feel like I’ve learned a thing or two. I certainly understand the cliché’, “If I only knew then what I know now.” I am smarter than I was in my twenties, have a higher emotional intelligence than I did in my thirties, and can prioritize important things better than I did in my forties. By many accounts, I’ve got it figured out! Yet there is a very real risk in this self-reliance and arrogance. It doesn’t leave room for God to work when I’ve taken over His job!
Many times, I find myself giving God a “multiple choice” question instead of a free response opportunity. I like to think I have all the best answers narrowed down so He can just pick one. In fact, God’s perfect solution may include something I could never imagine or consider, so I failed to leave room for it. I’m not alone though…Adam and Eve were the first to take God’s job out of His hands because they thought they had a better idea. We see how that turned out!
GOD, WHY AM I HERE?
Has that question ever crossed your mind? Maybe you’ve never given it much thought. Perhaps you ponder it daily. Our contribution in life is often the starting place for contemplating our purpose. The moments of each day are building blocks to fulfilling that purpose. I challenge you today to think less about earning admiration by worldly standards and focus on handing management responsibilities back to God so He can do His job. I guarantee you it’s better than whatever we could imagine on our own.
Make It Personal: If you’ve spent time trying to be the Lord of your own life, reflect today on the ways you need to stop searching in the wrong places for validation. Are you overly focused on impressing others with your finances, appearance, accomplishments, or awards? Do you exert so much control in your relationships, your schedule, or your bank account that you don’t leave room for God to work? Pray that God will open your heart and help you find the purpose in your life which He designed especially for you. It will not only please God, but it will also bring immeasurable satisfaction in your life, for He is the Prince of Peace.
Pray: God, I come to You today with a heart of surrender. I relinquish control of my life to You and seek Your perfect will for me. Reveal the areas of my life where my attention needs to be focused. Forgive me for the times I’ve mistakenly thought my ways are better than Your ways. I want to live in a way that is pleasing to You. Amen.
Read: Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 33:11-12; Proverbs 19:21
Weekly Memory Verse: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech