It is with a soft heart; I end this May 2023. The month of May in Colorado is complex, and although we have cooler nights, and warmer days, in the past, we’ve experienced moments of heavy snow. But there was no heavy snow in May this year. A wonderful thing for gardeners like me—-I the gardener who postponed her Spring season trips to nurse her seedlings. As if to make sure their polished selves show through. When their only desire is to provide food and beauty around me.
To let go of control is challenging work, at any given moment. I was saddened when a few seedlings died but came to realize that even in the demise of this preciousness, I saw God’s good. Just as the destination of the seedling is divinely ordered, so is every step I take and every thought I make. And when I’m cognizant of the need for control, I meditate on Psalm 25 vv. 4-5
“Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.”
In Moses’ intercession grounded in God’s covenant promise, he found comfort. Just like Jacob’s struggle with God for His divine blessings (Genesis 32 vv. 24-30).
In Exodus 33 v. 13 Moses said:
“Now therefore I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
Moses knew the chaos of Israel. He knew Israel was disobedient. In respect to God, he admitted these things, while asking for God’s mercy upon his people. Yet still, even when God responded, Moses had some doubts.
Are we not like Moses? Doubting what God tells us through His words? Do we not want immediate answers to prayers while living in skepticism accordingly? Control is a form of doubting God! Control is likewise a gift from God, right there, to teach us if we listen.
In life, I am most certain steps will continue to move in the direction of control. But it is up to us to take a different path—the path, which leads only to Him. Friends, what we accept in our lives, we teach to others around us. Accepting Christ and His generous teachings transforms us, which then transforms those around us. Therefore, we must strive for consistency in knowing Him more.
One of the quotes from my commonplacing book is below. I regularly return to this one. I thought it quite good to share, to end this month of May.
“Remember that it is not hasty reading—but serious
meditation on holy and heavenly truths, which makes
them prove sweet and profitable to the soul.
It is not the mere touching of the flower by the
bee which gathers honey—but her abiding for a
time on the flower which draws out the sweet.
It is not he who reads most, but he who meditates
most—who will prove to be the choicest,
sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian.”
-Thomas Brooks
Growing together, inside, and out!
In Him,
Char
Sources:
Brooks, T. (1652). Precious remedies against Satan’s devices. Banner of Truth Publishing (2021)
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Good morning, Char, I’m rereading your blog in a different frame of mind from last week’s.
I wonder if I’m not just genetically a big doubter/controller. And I can’t deny God’s favor to me every day. I trust His intimacy with me. That includes showing me to laugh at myself or to pat myself on the back. He helps me work with situations, not just struggle with them, as I have done.
The sweetness of His company is unending.
Thank you for bringing this topic you’ve illustrated so well!
You are most welcome, Susan.
Thanks so much for reading my blogs.
Char
Hi Charlotte,
Thanks for this. I like the Thomas Brooks quote. He is one of my favorites in this era.
Thanks so much, Dana!
Char!