submission

“blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” matthew 5.3

In the dark of this emerging day, while my toes are still cold and the roads are still quiet, i feel that the Lord is asking me to submit to Him. for after all, how can i learn or be teachable, unless i relinquish my need to pre-approve and pre-understand what is taught to me? it’s like i’ve been afraid that submission to the Holy Spirit would make me gullible to flights of the imagination, or to being led astray by my own heart or some cockeyed, flaked-out philosophy. so, i’ve resisted. i’ve been stuck in the pride of my mind.

But who is my God, and who is it that i submit to?

My God is Lord, the Christ, the beloved Son, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of creation, and he is head over all rule and authority…(colossians 1,2) He is Lord.

oh, sure, all the world sneers right along with my pride and says to me, “be careful of mindless submission, it’s such low-brow ideology”- but i don’t need to care about the world or its lies and fears. right now, i just need to know i must submit. so, i do it- and it is freedom! unbelievably, under here (the Lordship of the King), i have found good things, riches, treasures… peace and contentment have driven away the gnawing empty anxiety that plagued me before.

so i praise you, Father, for showing me just what i needed to do. teach me how to submit in all situations to your will, regardless of how used to the seat of control i have been. i pray for my friends this morning, taking each need and lifting it to you, Lord:
the need to grow
the need to forgive
the need for a break from criticism
the need for a clear assignment from you
the need for refreshment in marriage
the need for rest from physical exhaustion
for a sign,
protection from pride
for your Hand, Father, to be real
for courage to take that promotion
to be held accountable
for the need for nurturing and strong affection
for the air of life in loneliness, for grace, comittment
for your Ears to hear the sadness and anger
for reproof, love, for all the needs of each person, i pray.
you are the Meeter of our needs, you are the Giver of good things- the Only One Worthy of worship and bowing down. You are capable of teaching us how to live.

“blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” matthew 5.3

Lord, be Lord of my spirit. teach me to live a submitted life, and forgive my arrogance for holding back from you.