Recently my daughter has been stretching her independence in all kinds of ways. She suddenly wants to make her own breakfast, lunches and put herself to bed. I love that she’s growing up and discovering her independence but at the same time I also like being her mom and I still want to help her out with some of these things, not because she can’t do them or I don’t trust her, but because I love her.
When she asked me the other night if she could put herself to bed, I told her that on some occasions I might need her to do that, but on a regular basis I was still going to put her to bed because I love her and enjoy my time with her. Her new independence has really got me thinking about my relationship with the Lord and how there are times when I insist on doing things on my own, and forget to include Him in the process.
We want so badly to prove our independence that we forget to include God in the process.
We forget that He is the author and creator of our life and our destiny. The funny thing is that whether we include Him or not, He’s still part of the process, but if we allow Him to guide us we will save ourselves so much heartache along the way. If we push and pull insisting on our independence we will end up making things harder on ourselves in the long run.
Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. The Lord works everything together to accomplish His purpose.” Proverbs 16:3-4 (tPt)
I think about my years with Malea and how I only get so many of them, there are only a handful of more years I’ll be able to tuck her in bed, pray with her and kiss her goodnight. Fortunately it’s not like that with the Lord, in fact as we get older and move away from our parent’s covering, our relationship with the Lord should grow even more and our trust and leaning on Him should be even greater.
Unfortunately that’s not always the case. One of the enemy’s great lies we believe is that we can do it on our own, “I don’t need you, I don’t need community and I especially don’t need God, I’ve got this figured out and I’m going to do it my way.”
If you’re honest with yourself, how often do you think that? Or maybe you don’t think those exact words, but how often do your actions reflect that attitude.
I know I’ve definitely thought that but what I’ve found is when I put God aside and operate in my independence, it’s like taking a side street with lots of stoplights – it takes longer and is WAY more frustrating, than had I just followed in the Lord’s lead and jumped on the freeway.
Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.” Proverbs 16:9 (tPt)
I have found that not only is there more relationship on “the freeway” but there’s more freedom, more joy, more blessings and more fulfillment.
Go ahead, build your career and give yourself to your work, but if you put me first, you’ll see your family built up!” Proverbs 24:27 (tPt)
God is a good Father, and just like I love my time with my daughter, He loves His time with you! He loves your desire for independence but the more you learn to depend on Him, the more you will know who you are, and His great love for you.
It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring your closer to your destiny.” Proverbs 20:24 (tPt)
I want to challenge you to stop trying to do everything on your own. Seek the Lord for His direction; it might feel like it’s taking longer than you want, but in the end it will save you time and heartache, and you’ll have a deeper relationship with your Father who loves you so much!
Great post! I love the freeway and stop light analogy.