Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from 1 Peter 5:5-9. Being anxious is a debilitating emotion and mindset. Like a deer in the headlamps, an anxious person is frozen and unable to move in any direction. Not only are you in great danger, but being anxious has many health concerns too!
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
There are 2 ways to achieve and pursue life. Either you white knuckle through the challenges that stand between you and your desires, or you can rest in God’s provision. No matter how strong and determined you may be, do you really believe that your will and dreams are stronger than God’s will and plan?
I’m not advocating for laziness and an apathetic attitude toward life and a sense of purpose. Rather I question the motives and driving forces behind the purposes and desires that we have. Is God expected to bless what you want, or do you earnestly seek His plans?
God calls us to humble ourselves and our fleshly desires before Him. I have seen people’s lives and families be torn apart by their selfish desires. While they achieved the glory that they so desperately searched, their entire world was turned upside down. God’s desires and plans are ones that seek to bless and build you up. Do we truly believe that our Father and God truly wants what is best for us?
Dear Father,
In Jesus Name,
Amen