I’m not gonna lie to you, my bloggy people. Yesterday was a BAD day. I just this second remembered a book I used to read to my kids called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Well, yesterday, I could’ve given ol’ Alexander (and he would be old by now – that book’s been around for a while!) a run for his money. You see, after going through the steps that Jesus went through to deal with His heavy heart, I found myself wrestling with the fact that I had to reconcile myself to the fourth step: I had to concede that God’s will was NOT in line with my own, and figure out a way to be okay with that.
My reaction to God saying “No, My way is going to be different and harder”, was NOT the act of worship that is immediate submission, but sadness and, if I’m to be honest, not just a little anger. This situation is something I’ve been praying about for a LONG time, and even though I had an inkling in my spirit that the answer was going to go down this way, the greater part of me was expecting an eleventh-hour show-down of the awesome power of my God. Certainly, He could’ve done it the way I’d hoped, but He didn’t. So, yesterday was about tears and anger and a pretty sad display of pouting. It wasn’t pretty.
Fortunately, His mercies are new every morning. This morning I awoke with a better attitude and was ready to listen. I revisited Jesus’ walk with His heavy heart and was reminded that neither was His prayer answered in the way He so fervently prayed. His “cup” was not taken from Him; instead, He was made to drink it. As I read on in the story, I noticed a significant lack of pouting on His part – even in the face of impending brutality, humiliation, and death. Talk about fresh perspective.
Because He didn’t fight it, but worshipfully submitted to God’s will, I have the freedom to go directly to God and lay before Him the desires of my heart. I have the promise of eternal life and the immeasurable gift of constant communion with the God of the universe. My dirty slate has been wiped clean and will not be held against me. When God said “no” to Jesus, it was for the unimaginable good of you and me. Should I expect anything less from His “no” to me?
Today, instead of my head in my hands, I’m turning my face to the Son. I’m going to lay my weak faith of yesterday at His feet and ask Him to line up my will with His – to give me His perspective, His resolve, His faith in His Father. I’m going to exchange my pouting for His peace.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Oh my word was that a fresh perspective. I’m ending the day with a bad day…started good and then life hit about 8:00 when all the kids rushed in the door and needed fed and bathed and blah blah blah. It wasn’t pretty at all.
Perspective. Regardless of the situation…I needed a calm and peaceful perspective. Didn’t have it.
I need to go over that scripture some more. 🙂
Love,
Fran
Sister, now that again, is a WORD.
Thank You Father, how You use our thoughts and postings to draw others nearer to YOU. How YOU reveal ways of meaning to Your word, and give us HOPE.
I love ya,
Yolanda
Dear Melinda,
You are such a precious child of God. It is refreshing to see you turning your face to God in the midst of a difficult circumstance.
May we all learn this response in our own lives.
Are you in that Beth Moore video that she posted today? Is that you?
peace~elaine
That is so you! I get the observant prize award. Bet this has brought a life to poor Alexander and his terrible horrible no good very bad day.
Seriously, OK…maybe not…
I’m just celebrating you over here for being a star. Not just on Beth’s website, but in life, my friend. In life.
peace~elaine
Ok…I was going to comment on your post…but wait a minute…you were on a Beth Moore video??? Ok…your day couldn’t be that bad! WOW!!! I’m impressed!
Having worked in a Children’s Library for 12 years, I often read “Alexander” during storytime. I love how that book ends – with Alexander announcing – Mom says some days are just like that!
Trusting you’ve had a better day today!
Turning my face towards the Son,
Joy