Clinging to the Giver

June 14th, 2005

I’m in the third week of my summer break and enjoying it immensely. I get all kinds of things done during the day and at night enjoy the company of friends. With the new Godsong blog up and running, every night at our place is haven of creative energy. Brad often comes over and He and Bobby and I sit at our separate computers writing away, sometimes reading or discussing various topics of interest. You might be surprised to hear that because I haven’t written on my own blog for a week! I don’t have much of an explanation but am glad that I have some things on my heart to write about today. Much of this inspiration to share my thoughts was stirred by an essay that Bobby wrote on having something to say. He wrote, “If you are a Christian let me give you a strong word of exhortation: You should have something to say! Are you telling me that the holy God in heaven has saved your sinful life and radically transformed your heart to have love, joy, and peace in His presence and that isn’t enough inspiration to start writing?” These words jogged me out of any blogger’s block I was suffering and got me up to write today.

Last week I spent alot of time with my good friend Missy. We have an all-new girls Bible study in the works and have been figuring out what topics would be relevant to young girls and also practical ways we can help show them what God says about those topics. Some thoughts we had so far where: speech, contentment, attitudes, friendships, honoring parents and modesty. It’s so nice to have time to spend with her. We go shopping, to the coast, have lunch together and have started playing Dr. Mario, an addicting Tetris like game. Bobby and I have had many graduations and graduation parties to attend. We also had a big barbeque Sunday to raise support for our missions trip. Bobby told me that he was concerned that we might not raise all that we needed. But then later told me that he realized that he couldn’t focus on what he needed, but the Giver.

I’ve been giving that some thought. I so often focus on what I need or want, what I think should happen in a situation, while losing focus on the Giver. I feel that I have surrendered to the reality that I cannot change anyone. Also that time does not change anyone, only God can. Even though I know this, sometimes I hold on so tightly to people and desires that I have. I notice that when I am not surrendering these distractions day by day I become very impatient and bitter about them. Martin Luther once said, “I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”

“Love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice,
and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days.”
Deuteronomy 30:20
A striking thought correlating between this verse and Luther’s statement is that I must place my life in God’s hands. I usually try to pick and choose what goes in His hands, but this is what leads to so much frustration. I need to learn to stop holding on so tightly to things and people and instead, cling to God, for He is the Giver of all that is good.

5 Comments

  1. Jen =)
    June 14th, 2005

    I can’t pinpoint what you said that made so much sense in my head - except to say - holding too tightly onto people or things.

    focusing on that, rather than on the creator.

    Good thoughts to share. Thanks so much!

    (by the way, I’ve missed reading you this week.)

  2. Spanish Morning
    June 15th, 2005

    A comfort to know I am not the only one needing to trust the Giver for mission funds. If He wants us abroad, He will provide the means!

  3. Pilot Mom
    June 15th, 2005

    “…When I am not surrendering these distractions day by day…” A powerful reminder for me today! Thanks!

    Also, Christa, you’ve been “tagged” over at my place. Drop in and check it out when you get a minute. Thanks!

  4. blakeyblog
    June 15th, 2005

    Dawn, thanks for visiting. I’m glad we can trust God to provide, it’d be a pretty sad story if we had to somehow provide the means for ourselves! And it’s such a refining journey to learn to rely on Him.

    Claire, thanks for tagging me for your book review! I posted my answers in a comment on your blog and here in case anyone is interested to know what they were:):

    -Last book I bought–Keep in Step with the Spirit by J.I. Packer
    -Last book I read–The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
    -Five Books I’ve read that mean alot to me–
    1)War of Words by Paul David Tripp, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It deals with the desires of our hearts and how that is reflected in the way we speak…very convicting.
    2)The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace, as a young wife this book has presented itself to be a valuable resource of practical and Biblical wisdom for addressing my role as a godly helper for my husband and gives helps to discipline my attitudes and desires to be more in line with the Lord’s.
    3)Knowing God by J.I. Packer. Deep, challenging and provoking…this book changed my view of God as something, to Someone. I’ve read it many times in my pursuit to know Him.
    4)Totally Sufficient by Ed Hinsdon and Howard Eyrich, this book has stirred up my love and devotion to Scripture as all I need pertaining to life and godliness.
    5) Desiring God by John Piper. This is a passionate and inspiring book challenging the reader to enjoy God alone and dare to seek to see Him in His glory.

  5. Jen =)
    June 15th, 2005

    Christa,

    I get those devotionals from Elizabeth Elliot - they come daily to my email. (How great that I don’t have to buy a book!!)

    You can subscribe to them here:
    http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html

    Let me know if you have any problems!

    Hope you’re having a good day!

    Jen

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