We are destroying speculation and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
I’ve been thinking about Adam and Eve and how they were at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil having a conversation concerning whether to eat the fruit from the tree after God specifically told them not to eat it. Nonetheless, the enemy of God deceived them, and they ate the fruit, but then again, is that the whole truth? (Genesis 2:8-9,17; 3:1-13)
When God tells us not to do something then it seems simple enough to understand the command, don’t do it, right? What about when we are anxious and God says “Be anxious for nothing?” Adam blamed God and Eve for his disobedience, Eve blamed the serpent for deceiving her. How do I account for my anxiety? Does all this really amount to believing God and trusting Him with our lives and obeying Him when we are floundering within?
When I’m anxious the last thing I need is to think that God is disappointed and is going to search for me and ask me what I have done. Thinking that way draws me farther away from God and creates fear. The truth is, God is our good shepherd, He wants us to stay close to Him and know His voice and believe what He is telling us, because He knows what is best for His sheep. When we wander off to our own thinking whether by persuasion of others or our own desires, we pull away from His truth. Being anxious or giving in to temptation to do something we know is opposite of God’s word will create hardship for us. (John 10:14). I personally don’t want to make things harder than they already are for me or others.
I’d like to say I have this all figured out, but I don’t. I deal with anxiety and fear at times, and I keep hearing God say to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). I find myself asking God to show me what’s going on with me so I can release whatever is holding me back from fully walking in the freedom He has granted me. I ask myself “Am I listening to God and believing Him or am I listening to myself or what others say?” I pray that God’s truth and peace will drown out all the other voices and that I can walk steadfast and obedient in His daily guidance. (Luke 4:17-21; John 8:34-36; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Galatians 5:13)
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word, thank You for pointing out that our desires can pull us away, our thinking can be contrary to Your truth. Help us to learn Your truth and believe Your words and practice them when we are tempted to believe a lie. Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (John 2:16; James 1:14; Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 2:3; John 10:4-5)
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
Comments